104 



i 





Qass 

Book 



copYRiarr du'osit 



THE 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN 



OF 



W I L L 1 M A N T I C 



AND 



COLCHESTER. 



%., 




BOSTON : 
MERCANTILE PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

No. 258 Purchase Street, 
I 890. 



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<v'<> 



^\^ 



PRKFACE. 



In this historical and statisical review of the commercial and manufacturing 
interests of Willimantic, it has been our pui'pose in as tlioi'ough a manner as was 
possible to justly describe those enterprises which have contributed so largely during 
the last half century to the material advancement of tlie city. History plainly shows that 
many large cities owe their prosperity and growth chiefly to advantages of situation, 
great influx of foreign people, and similar causes; the present prosperity of Willi- 
mantic, however, is due also to the genius and efforts of its people. A study of these 
facts, and of its varied mercantile interests, which are presented herewith, must show 
clearly, we think, the rich harvests that have been reaped from the exertions and 
foresight of the past, the present flourishing and influential position of Willimantic 
as a commercial centre, and its bright outlook for many lines of growth in the time 

to come. 

MERCANTILE PUBLISHING CO. 



COPYEIUHT. 
MERCANTILE PUBLISHING CO. 

1890. 





^^^^t^f^?n^^^^i 






Ellen D. Laened in her accurate, complete 
and admirably written history of Windham 
County— a work of exceeding and permanent 
value, and one which should be read and, if 
possible, owned by every resident of that section of 
Connecticut— so aptly and tersely states the prevailing 
characteristics of the Windham County of to-day, and 
the causes which have given them birth and development that 
our duty to our readers excuses us for taking the liberty of mak- 
ing tlie following quotation from her second volume, published 

in 1880 : „ , ■ m ^ 

"Modern Windham dates its birth from the first whistle of the steam engine. That 

moueui vv iminaiu "Rnpiov eutercrise, progress followed its course, 

clarion cry awoke tire «l-pmg vall^Y- ^""'"^.^^Z^esleo^veA immediate impetus, 

At every sopping place new 1 fe s^.u^^^ ^^= ^^^^ speedily planned 

and plentiful supp y of ^^o"; J;^^?"\ "^^.^^^ ^^^ labor, business and invention rushed 
and executed, foreign help ^^^^f^^.^^ ' '^^^^^^^ industries developed-and in less than 

to the railroad stations ; ^^^""/^^^^ ^XTonSed The first had become last and the last 
a score of years the <^ountj ^^as^e.olnt^^^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^.^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ 

first. The turnpike ^^^ ^^^^ ™' ^^^..^^aUroad centres held the balance of power, 
hill villages had lost the ^^^^^^^^^^^ of the towns. As other railroads were 
and diw t; «-.--^- ^^^^^^^^^ became more rapid, and the Windham 

opened and business f^«^l^^^*^^/^^'f'^''^ "' ^^^^ than that of 1840. It has within its 

^''^^:lr'Z:^:^l^^^^^^^^'^^- ^ ^^ hou. nde connects it with 
irP^-irenoe W^ Boston, and New York. It has five or six newspapers 



6 WILLIMANTIC AND ITS POINTS 01 INTEREST. 

of its own, and leading city dailies ; telegraphs, telephones and other modern improve- 
ments. It has manufacturing establishments unsurpassed in the country. It has its 
graded schools, elaborate church edifices, public cemeteries, lofty town buildings, its 
summer visitors, its market of gardens, its Roseland Park * * * and all the 
usual accompaniments of modern civilization. The Windham County of to-day, as 
typified by its business centres, is wide-awake, progressive ; a true child of the Nineteenth 
Century." 

These words apply with special force to the borough of Willimantic, for the con- 
centration of manufacturing enterprises at that point, and the zeal and ability with 
which they have been carried on, have not only arrested the decline of Windham— 
which at one time was rapidly going on and was attended by the removal of the 
county seat to Brooklyn— but have made that town the richest and the first in population 
of any in the county. Of course, "Windham Green"— the old shire town— is not what 
it was. Gradually but surely her business interests have been abandoned or transferred 
to Willimantic, her powers and privileges have been greatly diminished and the reins 
of government have been given over to younger and stronger hands, until now she is 
in much the same position as an old and dignified matron who has relinquished to her 
sturdy children the duties she once performed so well herself. Although very old, she 
is by no means unattractive, on the contrary no more pleasant village can be found in 
tlie State, and some of her most distinguished sons have returned to her at the close 
of their active careers, while many visit her every summer and enjoy the pure air, 
beautiful scenery, delightful drives, and historic associations of the old town. 

A portion of the power available at Willimantic Falls was utilized at an early 
date, and at the time of the breaking out of the second war with England, in 1812, 
manufacturing was already quite extensively carried on at that point, Clark & Gray's 
paper mill being the most important establishment. A carding machine, grist mill, 
and saw mill were also in operation, and the clothiery business was a prominent indus- 
try, the cloth woven at farm houses throughout that section being taken to this 
establishment to be dyed and pressed. The carding machine had been set up some 
six years before, as will be seen from the following advertisement published in the 
Windham Herald, June 20, 1806 : 

"Carding Machine.— Notice is hereby given that the machine for picking, oiling, 
and carding wool, erected on the Falls of Willimantic River in Windham, at the mills 
of Messrs. Clark & Gray, is now ready to do business. Those gentlemen that will 
favor the proprietors with their custom may depend on having their work done with 
neatness and dispatch, and all favors gratefully acknowledged. Price for breaking and 
carding, cash in hand, seven cents per pound, eight cents other pay ; for picking and 
oiling, two cents per pound, cash in hand; other pay, three cents." 

The proprietors had no reason to complain of lack of custom, for the advantages 
gained by patronizing him were so apparent that home carding was practically 
abandoned, and during the same year, 1806, machines were set up in many place's 
throughout the county. The production of yarn and of woolen fabrics was greatly 
stimulated and their quality materially improved, but the ancient and unquestioned 
rule of wool as the king of textile fibres was now about to be disputed, for there was 
"another Richmond in the field," who in after years was to be crowned and duly 
acknowledged as "King Cotton." Samuel Slater, "the father of cotton manufacturing 
in America," had been patiently experimenting with machinery for spinning cotton by 
water power, being associated with Moses Brown, a Providence capitalist, wlio fur- 
nished the money for the prosecution of the enterprise. After a year's hard work 



WILLIMANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 




Main Street cor. Railroad Street. 



Slater produced the first 
practical power cotton spin- 
ning machinery ever made 
in this country, and after 
mills had been established 
in Providence and Paw- 
tucket, R. I., Ozias Wil- 
kinson, Slater's father-in- 
law, combined with a num- 
ber of others to erect a 
cotton mill in this State, 
the Quinebaug Falls in 
Pomfret affording a most 
eligible site. Formal or- 
ganization was effected 
under the name of the 
Pomfret J tanuf acturing 
Company, January 1, 1806, 
and although there was 
much to do and the facili- 
ties to work with were 



meagre as compared with those of the present time, the undertaking was so vigorously 
pushed that the factory began operations April 1, 1807. This wns the first cotton mill 
in Windham County and was much more than a "nine days wonder" in the vicinity, 
people coming from miles around to see it in operation. The building was four stories 
in heicrht and 100x32 feet in dimensions, and the original force of operatives consisted 
of four men and nine boys and girls, the children of neighboring farmers. 

As this enterprise proved an immediate and decided success investors were encour- 
aged to equip similar establishments, and the many valuable mill privileges in Windham 
^County made that a favorite field of operation. The Sterling Manufacturing Company 
began to operate its factory on the 
Moosup River in 1809 ; the Plain- 
field Union Manufacturing Company 
began business the same year, on 
the same stream ; the Danielsonville 
Manufacturing Company opened its 
mill in 1810, and companies located 
:at Thompson. Killingly, and Plain- 
field soon followed. The production 
■of domestic goods was greatly stim- 
ulated by the troubles with England 
and the consequent shutting off of 
imported fabrics, and what would 
now be called a genuine "boom" 
in manufacturing was the natural 
xesult. Of course the conservative 
■element predicted overproduction, 
shrinkage of values and ultimate 
disaster, and equally of course the 




Main Street cor. Church Street. 



8 WILLIMANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

enterprising capitalists paid no heed whatever to the doleful prophecies but went ahead' 
with renewed vigor to establish plants to enable themselves to follow the ancient adage^ 
"make hay while the sun shines." Some of us are accustomed to think of our 
ancestors as slow and old-fogyish, but many of them were fully as progressive and 
venturesome as any of their descendants have proved to be, and indeed, considering 
their facilities and the poverty of the country, they showed more enterprise than, 
ninty-nine out of one hundred modern capitalists do. 

The following extract from the Windham Herald of November, 1811, will give 
some idea of their capacity for "jjushing things:" 

"In November, 1809, there were within thirty miles of Providence, twenty-six cotton 
mills in operation, containing 20,000 spindles, and thirteen erected not then ready to. 
run. At the present time there are seventy-four mills within the same distance, con- 
taining CI, 454 sjiindles, making an increase of thirty-six mills and 31,454 spindles in, 
less than two years ! Are not the people running cotton mill mad ? ' ' 

Many woolen mills were also built and at last the people began to see some good 
in the lapid rivers which had caused them so much trouble and expense in the past 
by sweeping away bridges, washing oixt roads, and otherwise drawing upon their 
scanty resources. But these streams still caused much strife and contention, for the 
residents of that part of a town which was most directly benefitted by them would 
ask for better bridges and other improvements, only to be refused by their fellow 
townsmen who naturally did not care to increase their own burden of taxation to help 
their neighbors. Such was the case in Windham, the rapidly growing village of 
Willimantic asking for a new bridge and a better road, and other sections of the 
town making various demands, so that the people as whole were at their wits end 
to know how to make both ends meet, for the town was poor as yet and it seemed 
as if every dollar that could be raised by taxation had a dozen claimants. There waa- 
pressing need of a new turnpike to Killingly, a new poorhouse and better school- 
houses, and the efforts being made to remove the county seat had to be resisted at 
considerable expense. The war with England entailed special taxes at this time, and 
the wealth and population of the town threatened to be suddenly and seriously 
diminished, for Scotland Parish wanted to be set apart and the central district also- 
insisted upon being divorced from the parent town. Five large bridges were already 
maintained and a hard fight was made against having to build another, but the 
County Court issued an order requiring the construction of "'Horseshoe Bridge over 
and across Natchaug River on road leading to paper mill." This bridge was built 
in 1818. 

The following year Windham was dealt the most staggering blow yet received, 
the courts and jail being removed to Brooklyn. The townspeople did not lose heart, 
however, but set earnestly to work to recover as much as possible from the wreck, 
and spared neither trouble nor expense to have the town given half-shire privileges, 
consoling themselves with the thought that "Half a loaf is better than no bread.'* 
But even this consolation was denied them finally, for after some nine years of 
agitation it became evident that the struggle Avas hopeless and the town voted to sell 
the jail and courthouse so long unused. Meantime, while old Windham had bent 
all her energies to the task of regaining a portion of what she had lost, yonng. 
Windham had instituted and vigorously prosecuted new enterprises, and was now 
beginning to feel the benefit of them. The "manufacturing fever" raged in different 
parts of the town, cotton factories were now in operation at Willimantic, and North, 
and South Windham were also profiting by new and renuinenitive industries. Pro y£ 



WILLIMANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. ^ 

dence capitalists Lad come to tlie front at Willimantic and had established plants. 
and gone to work with characteristic energy. Land and privilege on the Willimantia 
near its junction with the Natchaiig, were bought by Perez 0. Richmond, in September, 
1822, and a factory and nTimber of dwellings were soon built. Another enterprise- 
was started by the brothers Jillson of Dorchester, in 1824, they being followed bjr 
the Windham Company, and a small factory was built and operated by Charles Lee, 
of Windham, at about the same time. It is said "Great good brings great evil in 
its train," and so it proved at Willimantic, for the immense influx of foreign laborers, 
the comparatively bountiful supply of money in circulation and the absence of police- 
protection, all combined to make things decidedly lively for a time. A two-story 
rum shop called the "Lighthouse," was the first public building and the centre of 
attraction, especially Sundays, and it was not unaptly named either, for it marked a 
spot to be shunned by those who wished to escape wreck. Rum and other spirits 
were cheap, beer and ales were unknown, and as a consequence the frequenters of 
the "Lighthouse" imbibed early, often and freely, and drank nothing but hard 
liquors. Scenes of riot were of daily occurrence and the neighborhood gained such 
a reputation that the village about Richmond's mill was known as "Sodom," and 
P. O. Richmond was dubbed "Poor Old Riclunond," in the neighborhood. But these- 
disturbances, like the "growing pains" of a healthy youngster, were but a temporaiy 
and inevitable consequence of rapid development, and after the laborers had departed 
and the factories got under full headway, the New England spirit asserted itself and 
law and order regained supreiriacy, among the lirst results of this condition of affairs 
being the building of a school house and the erection of stores and other public 
buildings, including a handsome hotel. Tlie old highway was widened and named 
Main street, and the growth of Willimantic was now fairly inaugurated. 

The semi-centennial of the Nation's birth afforded occasion for a grand celebra- 
tion, and July 4, 1826, is memorable in Willimantic's annals as the day on which 
the lirst public demonstration of that community was made. It was a typical Fourth- 
of-July celebration. There was a procession, a brass band, cannonading, speech 
making and a banquet at which twenty-four toasts were offered, noteworthy among 
which is number eiglit : 

"RiVEU Willimantic— Like the autumal harvest is constantly bringing in its- 
rich treasures to repay the labors of industry and art, and opens her wide extended arms- 
to embiace the farms, manufactures and mechanics through the country which it flows. 

Another toast was : 

"The Tree of Liberty planted on Columbia's broad plains, of but fifty years- 
growth, its massing branches have reached the centre and this day there are more- 
than twelve millions of souls basking under its shade." 

The language of these toasts may perhaps be regarded as rather "mixed," but 
their sentiment is all right, and the strength of the punch served in those days- 
excuses any inaccuracy of expression. 

Various church, temperance and other societies were soon organized, and as the- 
population rapidly and steadily increased and local needs multiplied the residents- 
asl^ed that Willimantic be given town privileges. Tins petition was denied, but 
Willimantic borough was constituted in May, 1833, the first meeting being held in 
July. The village had had a post office since 1827 and a fire engine company since- 
1830; but it also had a comparatively large "fioating population " and many drinking 
resorts, and the conditions of living were favorable neither to health nor morals. After 
receiving power to regulate their own roads, etc., the better element among the resi- 



10 WILLIMANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

dents set actively to work to make necessary public improvements and accomplished 
a, good deal, considering the difficulties with which they had to contend. In 1835 
Willimantic contained three meeting houses, six cotton factories, a satinet factory, 
and a paper mill, besides numerous stores, etc. Development steadily continued 
and the population not only gained in number but in character, for as the business 
opportunities increased they attracted a class of people who came with the idea of 
«ettling permanently, and had the intelligence to realize that what was of benefit to 
the community as a whole was beneficial to each member of it. Money was liberally 
voted for school houses, roads, etc., many comfortable and tasty dwelling houses 
were built, and the citizens worked both individually and collectively to beautify the 
borough and make is as desirable to live in as to. do business in. Asa Jillson and 
■other prominent men were early awake to the vast benefits which would be gained 
<;ould the borough secure railroad accommodations, and they worked in season and 
out of season to inspire their fellow townsmen with their own feelings on the subject — 
a task in which material aid was rendered by the Willimantic Journal, which was 
founded in 1848 by John Evans, and from that date up to the present day has been 
a power for good in the community. Their efforts were finally crowned with success, 
and when the Hartford and Providence and New London and Northern Railroads 
began business in 1854, the last obstacle to Willimantic' s progress was removed and 
a radically new order of things inaugurated which swept away old methods and old 
traditions, made the impossible easy of accomplishment and has its fruition in the 
Willimantic of to-day — a city in population, wealth, commerce, and facilities, and 
one that is destined to rival the foremost cities of New England in all that distinguishes 
a gi'eat modern commercial and manufacturing centre. Since the days of "Sodom" 
and the "Lighthouse" the manufacturing establishments of the borough have been 
greatly changed in character as well as greatly increased in number, and the centrali- 
zation tendencies of the age are well typified in the exceptional magnitude of some 
local enterprises, one of which utilizes all the space formerly occupied by a dozen 
manufacturing plants. This is truly "the age of combination," and Willimantic 
offers so many advantages for the prosecution of vast industrial undertakings that 
lier facilities are sure to be taken into account by w^ll informed manufacturers seeking 
a location admitting of almost indefinite expansion of their operations. Since the 
opening of the line now operated by the New York and New England Railroad Company, 
the town has enjoyed railway transportation facilities equal to any in New England, 
and it would be impossible to name a city or town oft'ering a more desirable combi- 
nation of advantages to manufacturers and merchants. Here, to begin with, is a 
healthful and pleasant place of residence, a well organized and efficient fire department, 
one of the most satisfactorily managed police departments in Connecticut, a well-planned 
and thoroughly constructed system of water works, banking accommodations equal 
to the best, good schools, an abundance of churches of various denominations, well- 
■equipped public libraries, and various other accommodations of a public and semi-public 
character. 

Unlike many manufacturing towns, the borough of Willimantic is very attractively 
situated and the residential portion of it is on liigh ground, affording beautiful and 
varied views, and air as i^ure as tliat in most country villages. The village lies on 
both sides of the Willimantic River, and the rising ground on either side affords sites 
for many tastily designed residences, among them being some of remarkable beauty. 
New buildings are continually going up, for the population of the borough is increasing 
regularly and rapidly and it is expected that the census of 1890 will show a population 



WILLIMANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



11 



of 11,000 or more. The census of 1870 gives a population of 4,048, that of 1880, 6,612 
— a gain of more than sixty-three per cent, in a decade. A similar ratio of increase 
would give 10,799 as the population in 1890, and there is reason to believe that those 
figures will be considerably exceeded in the announcement of the result of the 
-enumeration. 

The transportation facilities available form so important an item when reckoning 
up the advantages of a manufacturing centre that it is worth while to go somewhat 
into detail concerning those of Willimantic. The New York and New England Railroad 
runs from Boston to the Hudson River at Newburgh, 220 miles, passing through 
"Willimantic, Hartford. New Britain, Watei-bury, and Danbury. The road has direct 
•connection with the Pennsylvania coal and oil fields and all western points, via the 
Poughkeepsie Bridge ; and an important branch runs from \Villimaiitie to Providence, 
58 miles distant. Other noteworthy branches are the Connecticut Central, from Hartford 




Bird's Eye View of Willimantic. 

^o Sprino-field, Mass., and the Norwich and Worcester road, run in connec/tion with 
the Norwich and New York Steamboat Line. Direct communication with New ^ ork City 
is had by means of the Air Line and New York, New Haven and Hartford roads, both 
■of which are are under one management, and over the New England by way of 
Hartford The New London and Northern Railroad passes through Willimantic. 
running northerly until it makes a junction with the Vermont Central System, of whu'h 
it forins a part, and also making connection with the Boston and Albany Railroad 
at Palmer Mass. As the three roads ranning through Willimantic are under different 
managements and are likely to remain so, the town will doubtless --m ^^^ V^ 
advantages of competitive freiglit rates for an mdehmte period. It is only .-teen 
miles to tide-water at Norwich, communication with which is -^^"'^^^ ^^ *J,;^.f!;" 
London Northern Railroad, and which may also be reached by rail over the New England 
road by way of Plainfield. Tide-water at New Haven is distant hfty^tour miles and 
maybe reached by the Air Line road, while tide-water at Providence is fifty-eight miles 



12 WILLIM ANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

distant, and at Hartford, thirty miles— both of these points being reached over the- 
New England road. Boston rates are quoted on all freights from the West, and the- 
passenger service is as efficient as the freight service, trains being frequent and some 
of them being very fast; Boston being within two hours ride, and New York three- 
hours ride. Willimantic is almost midway between the metropolis of New England 
and the commercial centre of world ; Boston being 86 and New York 117 miles distant. 
Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago and other distant cities can be reached without 
change of cars. 

There are many factory sites available along the railroads and responsible parties- 
are always welcome, and will be afforded all possible facilities and assistance. Taxation 
is moderate, property being assessed not to exceed sixty per cent, of its market valua- 
tion ; the combined borough and town tax rate being about sixteen and one-half mills- 
on the dollar. The insurance rates in Willimantic are probably lower than in any 
other Connecticut city or town, and the local risks are considered so desirable that 
all the best companies have agents in town. The low rates are chiefly due to the 
remarkable efficiency of the water service, the water being taken from a reservoir on 
Hosmer Mountain, having a capacity of 5,000,000 gallons. The pumping capacity is 
2,000 gallons per minute, the pumping station being connected by telephone with the 
village and the Water Commissioner's office. The water is remarkably pure and is- 
taken from Natchaug River. The pressure is sufficient to throw a stream over any 
building in town. There is an electric tire alarm system, several hose companies, 
and a hook and ladder company. 

Half of the civil and criminal terms of the Windliam County Superior Court are- 
held in Willimantic, the Court House being one of the most elegant and convenient 
in the State. The hotel accommodations are first-class, five large and comfortable 
houses being open. The facilities for telegraphic communication are also as good as 
the best and the same may be said of the telephone service ; while a powerful electric 
light plant furnishes illumination for many stores and other buildings. Excellent 
schools are provided, so excellent in fact that many out of town scholars attend, but 
there is plenty of room for all and the borough is always ready to make any reasonable 
expenditure to secure valuable educational results. There are two free public libraries- 
in the borough, the total number of volumes approximating 8,000. 

We have already spoken of the beautiful scenery in Willimantic and vicinity, 
and it is hardly necessary to add that there are many charming drives in the borough 
and adjacent towns, the roads being generally excellent. Willimantic's Main street 
is nearly two miles in length, and as the Court House, the hotels and banks, the- 
Willimantic Fair Grounds, several large mills, and many stores are located on this- 
thoroughfare, a general idea of the place may be gained by driving from one end to 
the other. Although one's first impressions of Willimantic are almost sure to be 
favorable, it takes time to really appreciate the beauties and advantages of the borough, 
and the longer one lingers the less surprise is felt that the place has grown so rapidly 
in the past, and the more confidence is gained that this past development will be- 
more than duplicated in the near future. 

The attractive drives in the vicinity of Willimantic are fully described in the 
following from the "Borough of Willimantic," which was published by tlie Board 
of Trade in 1887 : 

"For pleasant drives Willimantic and vicinity offers unusual attractions. The 
main street from the eastern to the western limit furnishes a drive of nearly two- 
miles, and gives the stranger a very good idea of the place, passing as he does throughL 



I 



WILLIM ANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 



la 



the business portion of the town. The Opera House, Court House, all the hotels and 

-banks, the Linen Company's four large mills, the Smithville and Windham companies 

mills and the Willimantic Fair Grounds, are located on this thoroughfare. In the 

<)utside drives,, a favorite one is one easterly over Brickrop hill to Windham, the' 

centre of one of the oldest towns in the country, and a historic one. It was tlie 

stopping place for the New York, Providence, and Boston stage line before the days 

of the railway. Continuing a mile or so south. South Windham is reached a thrifty 

little villa-e on the line of the New London and Northern Railroad. Returning, 

Willimantic is entered on Pleasant street, on the south side of the river, and running 

parallel with it. From this street a ten minutes' climb will take one to thetop _ot 

Sosmer Mountain, the location of the reservoir, from which the village receives its 

supply of water. From this point is had a tine view of the surrounding country, 

^nd also the approaches bv railroad to Willimantic. It is a comprehensive picture, 




North Side Main Street, Willimantic, Cor. Bank Street. 

^.owiug the beautiful WilUniaj^ic Ri.ei^..uding i. ;^y tl^^^ 

the north, the New Lomlon Northern ^^^"^^^^^l^ j,,. Line road to the 

T^k and New ^^^\^Z^^,^ ^^^^^ ^^^Le roads, the Natchaug 
southwest, and on the light the eastern a ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ 

wreathing "s sei^entine .>urse^^.^j^ -^^^^^ ^^^, Columbil hills, dotted 
pleasant surroundings, the ^^'^"f '^;f'.„\'"; ' ; .^^.g^, ^nd the village of Willimantic 
Lre and there with villages and ^^^^J^^'^^L residences. In the way 
below, with its mills, workshops, bu^mess b ocks am ^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^^ 

of longer drives may be -f ^^^'^'^f ^^"^ ^^^.^^f, C? ee i '"d the Columbia reservoir, a 



14 WILLIMANTIC AND ITS POINTS OF INTEREST. 

quite celebrated locally for Its tine black bass fishing. Yet another fine drive but 
somewhat longer, is the one north through Mansfield street to the Storrs Agricul'tural' 
School. On_ thisroute is passed the Willimantic water works pumping station 1h^ 
-Natchaug nver is dammed at this point, forming a beautiful lake, with grounds laid 
out very tastily as a small park. This is fast becoming a very popular resort for 
Wilhmantic people m summer, being only a short drive of two and a half miles- 
from the place. There are also other fine drives over good roads 

"In the way of places of amusements, reference can be made with pardonable 
pride to the Opera Hoiise, erected and owned by S. F. Loomer. It is undoubtedly 
one of the finest opera houses of its size in New England, being fitted with all moderl 
improvements, and has a seating capacity of 1,100. Some of the foremost stars in 
the dramatic and operatic profession have appeared upon its commodious stage 

"The Willimantic Fair Association is in a thrifty condition, with good grounds 
new, roomy and substantial buildings, and the best half-mile race track in the country'' 
Horsemen with national reputations have spoken in the highest terms of the superior 
advantages of this track for horse trotting, and of the management. All the exhi- 
bitions have been eminently successful, and the prospects are flattering for the future 

" In the excursion season various points of interest are easily accessible to the 
pleasure seeker. There is scarcely a day in summer that does not have its special 
or regular excursion. The New London Northern Railroad runs its excursion trains 
regularly (Sundays excepted) to Block Island, via New London, the steamer stoppino- 
at Watch Hill and Lyle's Beach. This road also runs specials excursions to Lake 
Pleasant and Mount Toby. The New York and New England road runs special excui- 
sions to Rocky Point and Oakland Beach via Providence, also Nantasket Beach via 
Boston, usually once a week. 

_ ''In fact, Willimantic is well provided with opportunities for obtaining pleasure 
m leisure hours. The unusually good facilities for reaching directly by rail almosfc 
any point, gives the place great advantages over most inland towns in the east " 



WILLIMANTIC BOARD OF TRADE. 



CHARIER MEMBERS. 



1 590 



G. H. Alfokd, 
Ansel Arnold, 
Wm. B. Avery, 
G. A. Ashley, 
H. R. Alfokd, 
A. C. Andrew, 
C. N. Andrew, 
S. E. Amidon, 
A. B. Adams, 

G. W. BURNIIAM, 

W. H. H. Bingham, 

E. E. BUKNHAM. 

J. B. Baldwin, 
J. D. ]5entley, 
A. J. BOWEN, 

J). C. Barrows, 

F. E. Beach, 
A. I. Bill, 

A. B. Carpenter, 
Geo. a. Conant, 
E. F. Casey, 
A. L. Calkins, 
H. M. Chapman, 
E. D. Card, 
Geo. C. Elliott, 
A. T. Fowler, 



H. H. Flint, 
C. J. Fox, 
S. B. Ford, 
J. M. Hall, 
A. M. Hatheway, 
John Hickey, 
T. M. Hills, 
A. B. Holmes, 
W. J. Hastings, 
Wm. C. Jillson, 
J. G. Keigwin, 
Dumont Kin(;sley, 
Fuank Larrabee, 
H. C. Lathkop, 
A. B. Lincoln, 
J. C. Lincoln, 
H. R. Lincoln, 
W. H. Latham, 
S. F. Looker, 
G. W. Melony, 
H. C. Murray, 
S. J. Miller, 
J. A. McAvoY, 
W. G. Morrison, 
A. R. Morrison, 
J. A. McDonald, 



J. E. Murray, 
G. K. Nason, 

C. B. POMEROY, 

C. M. Palmer, 
W. N. Potter, 

O. H. K. RiSLEY, 

Frederick Rogers, 
J. H. Ross, 
H. E. Remington, 
O. A. Sessions, 
Geo. E. Stiles, 
C. E. Strong, 
Geo. Tiffany, 
L. H. Tiffany, 
J. A. Turner, 
A. S. Turner, 
A. G. Turner, 
Geo. F. Taylor, 
Marshall Tilden, 
C. R. Utley, 
Wm. Vanderman, 
F. M. Wilson, 
F. F. Webb, 
A. T. Walker, 
J. L. Walden, 
H. N. Wales. 



INDEX TO BUSINESS NOTICES. 



BANKH. 

Colchester Savings Bank 44 

Tirst National Bank 17 

BOOKSEI,L.ERS. NEWS DEALERS, ETC. 

Sweeney & Dunn 24 

Utley, Chas. R 32 

BOOTS AND SHOES. 

Potter, W. N 26 

Union Slioe Store (Julius Pinney) 34 

BUILDERS. 

Latham, W. H. & Co 36 

Park & Hammar 45 

DRY AND FANCY GOODS. 

Chase, Barker & Co., Ladies' Store 31 

JMurray, H C. (Boston store) 23 

Palmer, C. M. & Co 17 

Pease & Edwards 34 

Tilden & Courtney 20 

DRUGGISTS. 

Baker, John T 18 

Buell, H. P 43 

David, A. D. & Co 25 

Otis, Wm. B 44 

Rogers, Fred 35 

Turner, A. S 38 

Wilson, Frank M. & Co 23 

FURNITURE, CARPETS, ETC. 

■Casey, E. F. (Boston Furniture Store) 24 

Dawley, P. A 46 

Lincoln, J. C 30 

Murray, H. C. (Boston store) 23 

Tilden, Marshall 20 

FLOUR, FEED, GRAIN, ETC. 

Arnold. Ansel & Co 32 

Buck, E A. & Co ; 30 

Durkee, Stiles & Co 33 

-Grant, W. D 29 

Strong & Backus 38 

GROCERIES AND GENERAL STORES. 

Adams, J. N 44 

Amidon, S. E. & Co 31 

Araidon & Dimmick 32 

Brown, L. C. & C. F 43 

Bailey, C. H 45 

<;arpenter, C. E. & Co 23 

Mullen & Legendre 25 

Trudo. P. A. & Co 30 

Tripp Bros' 29 

Wales* Hyde 23 

HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS. 

■Colchester House 46 

Kingsley, D 21 

Windham Hotel 37 

HARDWARE, ETC. 

•Carpenter & Jordan 21 

Fowler, A. T. & Son 33 



HARNESS MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS. 

Jackson, G. U 45 

Manley, Joseph 26 

LUMBER, COAL AND BUILDERS' MATERIALS. 

Buck, E. A . & Co ,30 

Hillhuuse it Taylor 35 

Lincoln & Boss 33 

Strong & Backus 45 

ME.VTS .\ND PROVISIONS. 

North Street Meat Miirket (H. Howey, agent) 29 

Strong. J. N 46 

Turner, C. W. & Son 82 

Trudo, P. A. & Co 30 

Webb, J. W 36 

MILLINERY. 

Kingsley D. Mrs 34 

Kenyon, E. L. Mrs 47 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Chiippell, H. R. (house and sign painter) 31 

Durkee, Stiles & Co. (wholesale grocers) 33 

Eldredge & Adams (granite and marble) 25 

Grant, W. D. (commission merchant) 29 

Heydecker, Geo J. (baker) 47 

Lewis, Henry P. (rooQng and jobbing) 23 

Maddock & McPherson (job printing) 31 

Maverick Steam Laundry (W. J. Asher) 27 

Royce, Henry F. (western mortgages) 22 

Sadd, T. R. (notions) 26 

Smilhville Manufacturing Co. (cotton goods) 27 

Simmons, F. P. (confectionery, etc.) 34 

Snow, E. C. (blacksmith) 46 

Town.send, C. H. (photographer) 29 

Willimantic Linen Co , The 18 

Wnilimantic Electric Light Co 19 

AVilliams, W. L. (livery and sale stable) 37 

STOVES, RANGES AND FURNACES: ALSO 
PLUMBERS, ETC. 

Avery, F. T 47 

Holmes, E. H. & Co 19 

Tilden, Marshall 20 

Vanderman, Wm 28 

TAILORS AND CLOTHIERS. 

Bowman, .John.- 36 

Carey. P. J. (People's Clothing House) a5 

Hunt. H. L. & Co 18 

Henken, D. H 38 

.Tones R C 47 

Remington, H. E. & Co n 

UNDERTAKERS. 

Cummings, Wm. G 36 

Dawley, PA 46 

Sessions, O. A 22 

\VATCHES, CLOCKS AND JEWELRY. 

Barrows, D. C 24 

Freeman & Tracy 37 



LEADING BUSINESS HEN OP WlbEimNTIC 




_j-~W^ " First Nat' I 

iriaritic. - ihere 
IS no question 
l>iit (hat the 
First National 
i.ani< of Willi- 
iiiantic is one 
)f the best- 
known and 
most highly 
legarrkvl insti- 
tutions of the 
kinil in Con- 
I'Ctieiit, and 
indeed tiiere is 
every I'eason 
why sue h 
should be the case, for the bank has long held a 
prominent, and in fact a leading position, and has 
identified with it some of the most active and suc- 
cessful business men in Willimantic. It has a 
capital of §100,000, a surplus of *20,000, and 
deposits of §275,000, and in every way is most 
excellently equi]>ped for the carrying on of a 
general banking business including the reception 
of deposits, the collection of drafts, the purchase 
and sale of government and other standaid secu- 
rities, and the discounting of approved commercial 
paper. Through its correspondents and agents in 
cities and towns throughout the country the First 
National Bank is in a position to offer a most 
efficient and ])ronipt service in the matter of draft 
collecting, and returns are so carefully and accu- 
rately made as to obviate much annoyance and 
delay. The bank officials are courteous and 
obliging at all times and although of course the 
interests of the institution are first in their esti- 
mation they do business on a broad and liberal 
basis being convinced that in many i-espects the 
interests of bank and patrons are identical, but 
the management do not forget that progress is the 
watchword of the day and hence do not allow 
extreme conservatism to hamper the institution's 
capacity for usefulness. But the general char- 
acter of any board of officers can best be judged 



from the character of the individuals composing 
it, and therefore we may save time and space by- 
presenting the following list for the examination 
of our readers: William C. Jillson, President; 
Ansel Arnold, Vice-President ^ Oliver H. K. Ris- 
ley, Cashier ; Directors, W. C. Jillson, Ansel 
Ai-nold, O. H, K. Risley, A. T. Fowler, S. G. 
Risley, E. S. Henry. 



C. M. Palmer & Co., dealers in Dry Goods. 
Black Goods a specialty. 110 Main street, Willi- 
mantic, Conn. — A very interesting book might be 
written on the evolution of tlie dry goods busi- 
ness, for its evolution has been steady, rapid and 
pronounced and unless all present signs fail it, is 
as yet by no means completed but is destined to 
advance far beyond its existing stage. Thia 
branch of trade can be successfully studied right 
here in Willimantic, for we have many well-man- 
aged dry goods establishments in town, prominent 
among which is that carried on by Messrs. C. M, 
Palmer & Co., at their new location. No. 110 Main 
street, formerly occupied by J. M. Alpauo-h, liv- 
ing them double the room formerly occupied. 
This business was founded in 1874 and has 
increased steadily from year to year until it has 
reached its present development — a development 
which gives promise of what may be expected in 
the immediate future. The firm deal in dry and 
fancy gooils, notions, children's wear, etc., carry- 
ing a largo and skillfully chosen stock and making 
a specialty of black goods. The limits of our 
space forbid a detailed description of the assort- 
ment offered, and even could it be given it would 
be incomplete before this article will reach our 
readers, for the stock is continually being added 
to, and always contains the very latest novelties 
in its various departments. Messrs. C. M. Palmer 
it Co. employ five assistants and spare no pains to 
ensure prompt and courteous attention to every 
caller. Experienced shoppers know that the 
assortment offered by this house is always worthy 
of careful examination and they also know that 
no concern in this section of the State quotes 
lower prices on equally desirable goods. 



18 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OP WILLIMANTIC. 



The Williinaiitic Linen Co., Willimantic, 
Conn. — A spool of tliread is not a very imposing 
looking article, and nolhing in its appearance sug- 
gests the employment of millions of capital and 
thousands of hands in its production, and yet 
there is a single concern in this city — the Willi- 
mantic Linen Co. — which makes a specialty of the 
manufacture of cotton thread. This company has 
a capital of $2,000,000 and gives employment to 
more than 2000 people. The plant utilized is one 
of the largest and jirobably the most perfect of 
the kind in the world, there being four immense 
mills occupied whicli are fitted up in every depart- 
ment with the most efficient machinery ingenuity 
can produce and money can buy. The wonderful 
development of this enterprise since the present 
coni])any was incorporated, in 1856, speaks vol- 
umes for the energy and ability of those having 
charge of its management, for success has been 
attained against close and persistent competition 
and in the face of a once general prejudice against 
all thread of dom(;stic origin. The Willimantic 
Linen Company have conclusively proved that 
American manufactureis can produce not only as 
good but better tluead than is made in any other 
part of the world, and so universally has this 
truth been brought home to the people that there 
is no civilized nation in wliicli this company's pro- 
ductions are not known and appreciated. Years 
of hard and faithful work have been required to 
bring about this result and sums have been 
expended in experimenting and otherwise that 
would have swamped a concern having a weaker 
financial backing, and would have frightened and 
discouraged men of less pluck and confidence, but 
the stockholders and officers have always had firm 
faith in the ability of the company to compete 
with the world when once fairly on its feet, and 
the position now held grandly vindicates the 
policy of progression which has been adhered to 
from the start. In spite of the vast magnitude of 
the business, the most perfect system is noticeable 
in all its departments and one who visits the mills 
observes the care shown in the selection of mate- 
rial, the close supervision each of the processes of 
manufacture receives, the wonderful expertness of 
the employees, and the nice accuracy of the 
machinery used, cannot help being convinced that 
the leading position of the comjjany's products is 
but the legitimate result of the methods employed 
and is bound to be retained as long as the present 
policy is continued. The ideal thread is that 
which combines the most perfect uniformity of 
size with the greatest strength, and judged by 
this rule the productions of the Willimantic Linen 
Co^npany stand without a rival, being unequalled 
either for hand or machine use. The demand for 
them, immense as it now is, is constantly increas- 
ing and the vast resources of the company are at 
times severely tried in the attempt to keep up 
with the many orders i-eceived. The gentlemen 
identified with this enterprise are very prominent 
in the community and have done much to make 



Willimantic the flourishing city it now is, such an 
undertaking as theirs not only being of much 
importance itself but giving rise to numerous 
tributary enterprises and thus affording employ- 
ment to many besides those in the direct service 
of the company. The president and treasurer is 
Mr. Lucius A. Barbour ; the secretary is Mr. E. 
n. Clark ; the agent is Mr. E. S. Boss, and the 
superintendent, Mr. John Scott. 



H. L. Hunt & Co., dealei-s in Ready-made 
Clothing, flats and Caps, Gents' Furnishing 
Goods, etc.. Ill Main Street, Willimantic, Conn. 
— There is a certain feeling going with the con- 
sciousness of being well-dressed, that has often 
been remarked upon, and which none of our 
readers can fail to be familiar with. It is neither 
pride nor self-satisfaction, but invariably makes 
the subject of it more self respecting and respect- 
ful to others, and hence is desei'ving of the utmost 
encouragement. H. L. Hunt & Co. of No. Ill 
Main street, are certainly doing all in their power 
to encourage the wearing of fashionable and taste- 
ful apparel, for since they succeeded Messrs. Har- 
rington & Co., in 18S8, they have offered such 
pronounced and unusual inducements in the way 
of clothing that hundreds have taken advantage 
of the opportunities extended to buy durable, 
stylishly-cut and reasonable garments at really 
remarkably low rates. Mr. Hunt is a native of 
Clinton, Mass. The premises in use are of the 
dimensions of 68 x 20 feet. Two reliable assist- 
ants are employed and the strict personal attention 
of the firm is given to their patrons. Fine ready- 
made clothing, hats and caps, are on hand in great 
variety, and a most extensive and skillfully 
selected assortment of gents' furnishings is offered 
comprising many English novelties, and marked 
at prices that insure their early sale. 



Jolin T. Baker, Druggist, 174 Main Street, 
next door to Post-Office, Willimantic, Conn. — It 
would be difficult to find an establishment of more 
genuine value to the community than that carried 
on by Mr. John T. Baker at No. 1T4 JMain street, 
next door to post-office. This undertaking was 
founded in 1874, and since June, 1889, has been 
under the able management of its present ]iropri- 
etor, and has since largely developed as its influ- 
ence to the public became more plainly manifest. 
Drugs, medicines, and chemicals are supplied at 
both wholesale and retail, at the lowest rates that 
can be named on first-class goods, and as the fill- 
ing of prescriptions is given especial attention, 
customers may feel assured of their favors being 
appreciated, and of their orders being handled 
with that skill and accuracy so desirable in this 
connection. Every precaution is observed that 
will tend to reduce the liability of error to the 
smallest possible amount, and every facility is at 
hand that can aid in attaining this result. Mr. 
Baker is moderate in his charges, and certainly 
has solved the problem of combining reliable ser- 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



19 



^Ice with popular prices. The sale of fancy toilet 
^articles and druggists' sundries forms another 
important department of his business, and is con- 
-ducted on the same liberal scale that characterizes 
the management of his drug trade. The stock 
-carried is fresh, varied and acceptable, and as two 
-competent assistants are employed, customers are 
treated with courtesy and coiisidei'ation. 




E.H.Holmes 
iV. Co., Succes- 
sors to Keiffwin 
& Clark, WilU- 
niantic, Conn. — 
The tirm of E. 
11. Holmes & Co. 
was not formed 
until 1889 but 
tlie enterprise it 
t irries on is of 
much earlier ori- 
i;in, having been 
inaugurated by 
Messrs. Keigwin 
i\u Clark in 1879. 
In 1 885 the firm 
11 a m e became 
Clark it Mori- 
irty, but Messrs. 
Keigwin & 
C lark resumed 
control in 1887 
iiul retained it 
uutil succeeded by the present firm. The recent 
change was caused by the withdrawal of Mr. John 
G. Keigwin after a very successful business career 
of nearly forty years in Willimantic. Mr. E. H. 
Holmes is a native of South Windham and is very 
widely known, having been prominent in business 
and financial circles for many years. Messrs. 
William F. Murphy and Patrick F. Moriarty, the 
silent members, natives of Windham and Mans- 
field respectively, have been in the employ of 
Keigwin & Clark for many years. The premises 
occupied comprise four spacious floors, and are 
located at 99 Main street, being known as Com- 
mercial Block. So heavy and varied a stock is 
constantlv carried that an attempt to describe it 
in detail witli our necessarily limited space would 
surely result in failure, and we will therefore name 
only the more prominent articles it includes, as, 
for instance : china, crockery, glassware, lamps, 
cutlery and house furnishing goods, stoves, ranges, 
furnaces, etc. It will be seen that the assortment 
ia unusually varied and examination will prove 
that the firm handle only such goods as they have 
reason to believe will give satisfaction. Partic- 
ular attention is given^to plumbing, steam and 
gas fitting, none but first-class mechanics being 
employed'in this important branch of the business. 
Roofing, jobbing and sheet metal work of every 
description. They also make a specialty of fac- 
tory work. All work done in a superior manner 
-and at moderate rates. Satisfaction guaranteed. 



Willimantic Electric Light Company, 

Waterhouse System, Willimantic, Conn. — The 
advantages possessed by the electric light over 
any other means of artificial illumination are too 
generally understood nowadays to render it neces- 
sary for us to enter into detailed e.xplanation of 
them, for although a decade has hardly elapsed 
since electricity was first put to regular commer- 
cial use for illuminating purposes in this country, 
the public have become thoroughly familiar with 
its most prominent characteristics, and are so 
favorably impressed by them that the fierce 
struggle it was predicted would take place 
between gas and electricity has never occurred, 
for the simple reason that tlie superiority of the 
latter is too manifest to render successful compe- 
tition possible. Scientific men predict that cook- 
ing and heating will be done by gas in the near 
future, and that the illuminating gas plants now 
in operation will be utilized for the manufacture 
of fuel gas which can be made much cheaper and 
gives a hotter flame than the gas now in use. 
After the introduction of the electric light it soon 
became manifest that, generally speaking, the arc 
light was particularly adapted for out-of-door 
lighting while the incandescent was peculiarly 
fitted for interior use, and thousands of dollars 
were spent in experimenting with different devices 
intended to make it possible to use both kinds of 
lamps on the same circuit, but there were serious 
mechanical dittieulties to be overcome and it was 
a good while before any practical and dependable 
means was discovered. The Willimantic Electric 
Light Company use the Waterhouse system, and 
as this company were not incorporated until 1887 
and the men composing it had ample opportunity 
to study the various systems in practical use up to 
that date, it is but reasonable to suppose that 
they chose a system equal to the best. At all 
events it gives the best of satisfaction to the com- 
pany's customers, and the number of these is 
increasing so rapidly that it seems hardly worth 
while to give the number of lamps supplied at 
present writing, excepting, perhaps as a matter of 
record. There are fifty arc lights furnished for 
street lighting, thirty-two arc lights for com- 
mercial lighting, and seventy-two Bernstein series 
incandescent lamps. The dynamos are at present 
located on the premises of the W. G. & A. R. 
Morrison Company, and are driven by a seventy- 
five horse engine of the latest type. A new sta- 
tion with increased facilities is contemplated. 
The original capital of the company was 110,000, 
but this'has been doubled, and every doll.ir of the 
increased capital is paid in. Mr. Edwin Bugbee 
is president of the company, Mr. A. R. Morrison 
being vice-president, Mr. H. F. Royce, secretary 
and treasurer, and Mr. A. H. Lynch, superinten- 
dent. The oflice is in Room 3, over the First 
National Bank, where full information as to rates, 
etc., will promptly be given on application. The 
service is uniformly reliable and invariably gives 
excellent satisfaction wherever introduced. 



20 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 




%#)^^*^,. 



Marsliall Tildeii, Furniture, Carpets, House 
Fui-nisliiiig Goods, No. 100 Main Street, VVilli- 
maniio. Conn. — There is so great a variety of 
goods coming under the head of " house furnish- 
ings," and tliere is so great a variety of tastes 
among the purchasers of such articles that it is 
absolutely necessary for any dealer who means to 
cater successfully to all classes of trade to carry a 
very extensive and complete stock. An examina- 
tion of the assortment offered by Mr. Marshall 
Tilden, at No. 100 Main street, will go far to 
explain the exceptional popularity of his establish- 
ment, for the stock in question is not only very 
large but is carefully and skillfully selected, and 
comprises late novelties as well as full lines of 
staple articles. Mr. Tilden succeeded Mr. E. C. 
Potter, in 1879, and has developed the business 
materially in every department. The premises 
utilized by him comprise the basement of the 
of the entire block, and three floors of the respec- 
tive dimensions of 60x30, 110x30 and 60x30 
feet. Among the leading commodities dealt in 
may be mentioned furniture, carpets, stoves, 
crockery and glass ware, together with lamps, 
pictures and house furnishing goods in general. 
Employment is given to live efficient assistants 
and callers are waited upon promptly and politely, 
being given every opportunity to choose intelli- 
gently and being fully assured that every article 
will prove just as represented. Mr. Tilden has a 
well-earned reputation for quoting bottom prices 
on strictly dependable goods, and he does not 
allow himself to be undersold in any department 
of his business. 



Tilden & Coiirtne.V, Dry and Fancy Goods, 

Tilden Block, Willimantic. — As a firm, Messrs. 
Tilden & Courtney may not be very familiar to 
the general public, for they have but rrcently 
become associated, but as individuals few if any 
of Willimantic's business men are better and more 
favorably known ; Mr. Tilden having for a long- 
time been classed among the leading furniture 
men of Connecticut ; and Mr. Courtney being a 
life-long resident of this city and having had six- 
teen years varied experience in the dry goods bus- 
ness. The firm have just opened a spacious and 
finely appointed store in Tilden Block, Hnd deal ex- 
tensively in dry and fancy goods of every descrip- 
tion, the productions of the most prominent and 
reputable foreign and domestic manufacturers, 
being represented. A large stock is carried and 
it is worthy of note that it is composed exclu- 
sively of new, fresh and attractive goods, being in 
fact an exceptionally "clean" assortment through- 
out. We have not the space to specify the indi- 
vidual inducements offered in the various depart- 
ments, such as gloves, hosiery, small wares, dresa 
goods, notions, etc., but it may be truthfully 
stated that quality for quality and price for price, 
the goods handled by this enterprising house are 
not surpassed in Willimantic. We need hardly 
say that they are in every instance guaranteed to 
prove precisely as represented, and that the firm 
spare no pains to completely satisfy every reason- 
able customer. A large force of competent assist- 
ants is employed and callers are assured imme- 
diate and polite attention, goods being cheerfully 
shown and all desired information freely given. 
Callers are waited upon with a ])romptness and 
courtesy which go far to explain the exceptional 
popularity this establishment already enjoys 
throughout this section. Dependable goods, 
bottom prices, strictly honorable dealing — all 
these are characteristics of this store and all 
combine to make the enterprise a credit to the 
community no less than to the proprietors thejn- 
selves. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



21 



(Formerly of Carpenter &. Fowler.) 

Dealers in Hardivare, Iron and Steel, Mill Siiji/Uies, BiiihIerK' Supplies, Maeliiuists' Tools, 

Wooden Ware, ff'ire Fenciiiff, Drain Tile. 

90 MAIX STREKT, - - WILLIMANTIC. CONN. 



There is no lack of haiulsomely-appoiuled stores iu the eiUerprisiug ciiy of Williiuanlic, but there are but few 
•establishiuents in town which can compare with that conducted by Messrs. Carpenter it Jordan, at No. 1)6 Main street, 
next <loor to Marslial Tilderi. for this is a new store, contains a new stock and is titled up without regard lo expense! 
The proprietors do not lack practical business experience, however, by any means, even if they do c irry on a " brand 
new " establishment, for Mr. Carpenter was engaged in the same line of biisiness on the corner of Riilr'oad and Main 
streets for a quarter of a century, for four-fifths of which time he was in business for himself, as a uiemlier of the tirni 
■of Carpenter & Fowler. He is a native of this city, and in 188!) became a-isocinted with Jlr. .Jordan, who was born in 
Lebanon. The firm handle hardware of every description, and some idea of the magnitude of the stock carried may be 
gained from the fact that the premises occupied comprise four large rooms, two of which measure 6.5 X 24 feet each, 
and the other two 46 X -4 feet each. A.nother fact worth noting concerning this stock is that it is entirely fresh and 
new in every departrasut. being made up exclusively of desirable and salable goods from the most reputable manu- 
facturers. Those who were conversant with the metliods employed by Mr. Carpenter before he opened his present 
store will not be surprised to hear tint the new firm quote the very lowest market rates, and that all orders, large or 
small, are filled without delay, employment being given to two efticient assistants and no pains being spared lo ensure 
absolute accuracy. Both a wholesale and retail business is done and the trade is not only alieady extensive but is 
rapidly and steadily increasing. 



H. E. Reiniiistoii & Co., Clothing, Gents' 
Furnisbings, etc., Willimantic. — The question of 
wliere to purchase elotliing to the best advantage 
is one that appeals to all classes in the coniinuniiy, 
for tlie expense of dress forms an important item 
in the cost of living, and the rajiid increase in the 
number of clothing stores of late years complicates 
the question by giving more latitude of choice, 
but many residents of Willimantic and vicinity 
have very satisfactorily solved the problem by 
making it a rule to i)atronize the establishment 
conducted by Messrs. Remington & Co. at No. 
164 Main street. 'I'he reasons for this decision 
are many and sound but they may be summed up 
in very few words — the assurance of receiving 
full value for every dollar ex|)ended. Some 
houses may assume to do even more than this, to 
sacrifice goods at less than cost and give their 
retail patrons even more than wholesale values, 
but the justice of such claims is, to say the least, 
doubtful, although Messrs. Remington and Co., in 
common with all other energetic business firms 
may at times find it advisable to dispose of cer- 
tain goods at or even below actual cost. But the 
main point is, does this concern ordinarily quote 
bottom prices on dependable goods ? and we have 
no hesitation in saying that no firm in this section 
of the State has a better record in this respect. 
The premises utilized are very spacious, the main 
store being 30 x 90 feet in size, and there being a 
trunk and'blanket department upstairs measuring 
30X38 feet, this one apartment being considerably 
larger than the entire establishment was when 
Messrs. H. E. Remington & Co. assumed control 
in 1876. A very extensive and desirable stock of 
clothing and gentlemen's furnishings, trunks, 
blankets, etc., is constantly carried, both a whole- 
sale and retail business being done, but a specialty 
being made of the latter. Employment is given 
to three assistants and prompt and polite attention 
is assured to every caller. The partners are 
Messrs. 11. E. Remington and C. A. Capen, the 



former a native of Waterbiir}', ^'t., and the latter 
of this city. Mr. Capen has held various local 
offices and was chosen as State rep]-esentative in 
the fall of 1S88, and both Mr. Cajien and Mr. 
Remington- are very widely and favorably known 
in business circles throughout this section. 



Kiiigsley's Dining Rooms, 118 Main Street, 
Willimantic. — A good natured hungry man is a 
phenomenon very rarely seen, for when anyone is 
really hungry, he is apt to forget politeness and 
everything else except his desire to be well fed as 
soon as possible. Good nature is a highly desir- 
able thing for every man to have, and as the sat- 
isfying of hunger will go far towards assuring it, 
we take pleasure in calling the attention of our 
readers to Kingsley's Dining Rooms, located at 
No. 118 Main street, for every man eating at that 
po])ular resort is sure to leave it in a happy frame 
of mind, that is, if a hearty and nutritious meal at 
fair ]irices can bring about that result. The pro- 
prietor of this establishment is Mr. D. Kingsley, 
who is a native of Lebanon, and founded the 
undertaking in question about ten years ago. 
The premises utilized are spacious and centrally 
located, desirable rooms being available for the 
accommodation of lodgers. Temporary or ])erma- 
nent sojourners in Willimantic will find it difficult 
to form a more satdsfactory plan of living than to 
lodge and board at this establishment, for it com- 
bines the advantages of a hotel with those of a 
boarding house, and has few if any of the draw- 
backs of either. Mr. Kingsley supplies his table 
with plenty of healthful, nutritious, and season- 
able food, stinting neither in quality or quantity. 
Employment is given to three competent assist- 
ants, the service is prompt, and the cooking good, 
and in fact the person who can't be satisfied here 
must be hard to suit. A fine line of confection- 
ery, kept fresh by frequent renewals, is offered at 
low prices ; also cigars ; icecream in the summer 
a specialty. 



fBADJJfO BmiNESS MEN OF WILLI MA 3f TIC- 



O. A. SESSIONS^ 



FURNISHING * UNDERTAKER 



■>^\'&Ms.ioS'- 



106 HAMLIN BLOCK, 



WILLIMANTIC, CONN. 



CASKETS, COFFIN'S, SHROUDS, FLORAL DESIGNS, HEARSE, CARRIAGES, 

ETC. i^W LA D Y ASSIS TANT. 

— ^--S- F*ersonal -A-ttention given in all Cases -V- — 

Residence AVest End of Prospect Street, Second House from Hipch Street. "Risrht Hand Side going West. 



Henry F. Rojce, Western Farm Mortgages, 
Room 3, over First National Bank, Willimanlic, 
Conn. — Many of our readers would be surprised 
to learn the immense amount of eastern capital 
which is invested in farm mortgages, for a large 
proportion of the most experienced and shrewd 
investors have placed very extensive sums in this 
way of late years and the results attained have 
been highly gratifying to all parties concerned, in 
the majority of instances. Of course it is neces- 
sary to use reasonable discrimination in the mak- 
ing of these loafis, as it is when purchasing manu- 
facturing, railroad, or even bank stock, but the 
experience of hundreds of large and small inves- 
tors has proved that it is possible and in fact easy 
to place money profitably and safely, provided 
that the proper channels be utilized. But gener- 
alities are very unsatisfactory, particularly when 
financial matters are being discussed, and there- 
fore we will without further preface direct the 
attention of our readers to the facilities offered 
by Mr. Henry F. Royce, doing business in room 
3, over the First National Bank. This gentleman 
is a native of Lebanon, Conn., and is very widely 
and favorably known in financial and general bus- 
iness circles in Williniantic and vicinity, having 
served as secretary and treasurer of the Willi- 
mantic Savings Institution for twenty-one years, 
or up to March, 1S8S. He became engaged in 
handling Western farm mortgages in 1875, and 
his ability and the character of his methods are 
most clearly indicated by the simple fact that in 
the course of fourteen years of active operations, 
$1,300,000 in loans has been sold. Nothing can be 
added to this plain statement of fact, which may 
well induce those who are accustomed to regard 
all western investments as of the " wild cat " 
order to open their eyes and ears and gain a more 
nearly correct idea of what is going on. 



C. E. Ciirpeilter & Co., dealers in Choice- 
Family Groceries, Provisions, Flour, Corn and 
Feed, Dry and Fancy Goods, Boots and Shoes, 
Crockery, Glassware and Wooden ware. Main 
Street, Williniantic, Conn. — The enterprise con- 
ducted by Messrs C. E, Carpenter & Co., is 
deserving of particularly prominent mention in 
any review of the representative business under- 
takings of Willimantic and vicinity, not only oa 
account of the great extent to which it has been 
developed, but also by reason of the high personal 
standing its proprietors have in the "community, 
and the fact that they are the oldest established 
merchants in town, having begun operations here 
in 1858. Messrs. C. E , and J. B. Carpenter are 
both natives of Attleboro, Mass., and both have 
been burgesses, while Mr. C. E. Caipenter has 
served on the school board for seven years. The 
premises occupied by the firm are located on Main 
street, and comprise an entire three-story building 
of the dimensions of 80 X 35 feet, so that there 
is abundant room to accommodate a very heavy 
stock, and this room is fully utilized, the assort- 
ment on hand being remarkably varied and excep- 
tionally complete in every department. It is- 
made up of choice staple and fancy groceries, 
selected especially for family use, provisions, 
flour, corn and feed, together with dry and fancy 
goods, boots and shoes ; crockery, glassware and 
wooden ware. These articles are in every instance 
guaranteed to prove precisely as represented and 
are offered at prices that will bear the most severe 
examination and comparison, for Messrs. C. E. 
Carpenter & Co., have always made it a rule not 
to allow themselves to be undersold in the hand- 
ling of dependable goods, and the firm were nevei^ 
better prepared than now to successfully meet all 
honorable competition. Employment is given ta 
two efficient assistants, and every caller is assured 
prompt and courteous attention, orders being 
accurately delivered at short notice. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WJLLIMANIIC. 



23 



FRANK M. WILSON & CO 

(5 .A^FQT^JIECJ^IE^IES. G) 



WILLIM ANTIC, 



CONN 



WILLIMANTIC PHARMACY, 

Established, 1820. 



Frank iM. Wilson. 
Wm. p. Jordan. 



Wales k H.vde, Groceries and Provisions, 2S 
Church Street, Williniantic, Conn. — Among those 
establishments whicii merit mention in this book, 
that conducted by Messrs. Wales & Hyde should 
be given a place, for although this store makes 
no great pretensions still it is worthy of the most 
liberal j)atronage for the simple reason that no 
goods are sold under false pretences, every article 
being guaranteed to prove just as represented in 
every respect. Messrs. Wales & Hyde have built 
up quite a large business, for the public are not 
slow to appreciate fair dealing and enterprise and 
are pretty sure to sujiport any undertaking in the 
management of which both of these are combined. 
Tile premises are located at 28 Church street, and 
contain a carefully selected stock of choice family 
groceries and provisions. This firm does not 
claim to sell lower than everybody else or to be 
constantly offering goods "below cost," but they 
are content witli a small margin of profit, and a 
dollar will go about as far in this store as at any 
similar establishment in town. Orders are 
promptly filled, every caller receiving careful and 
polite attention, Itotli from the proprietors and 
their well-informed assistants. 



Boston Store, H. C. Murray, Dry Goods and 
Carpets, 147-151 Main Street, Williniantic, (Jonn. 
— The " Boston Store " has been carried on by its 
present proprietor, Mr. II. C. Murray, for more 
than a decade, for it was opened in 1879, and the 
residents of this vicinity have therefore had ample 
time to become thoroughly acquainted with the 
methods employed in its management and to judge 
bow far its name is ju.stified by the facts. So far 
as the latter point is concerned, that depends upon 
the prevailing characteristics of genuine " Boston 
Stores," but if the chief of these are the carrying 
of an extremely heavy and varied stock, the quot- 
ing of bottom prices and the extending of prompt 
and polite attention to every caller, then Mr. 
Murray's establishment is indeed a " Boston 
Store " in the full sense of the term. The pro- 
prietor is a native of Scotland, and owes his suc- 
cess chiefly to his intimate knowledge of his busi- 
ness in every detail and his habit of giving it 
close and constant personal supervision. The 
premises occupied are located at Nos. 147, 149 and 
151 Main street, and have a frontage of 56 feet 



and a depth of SO feet, every incli of available 
space being required to accommodate the heavy 
stock of dry goods and carpetings which is con- 
stantly carried. Mr. Murray does both a whole- 
sale and retail business and employs twenty assist- 
ants, who will be found well informed and courte- 
ous, goods being cheerfully shown at all times. 
To fitly describe such a magnificent stock as is 
here carried is a manifest impossibility when the 
limits of our space are considered, and we will 
therefore content ourselves with remaiking that 
it is wonderfully complete in every department 
and fully represents the very latest fashionable 
novelties. Mr. Murray has always kept good 
faith with his customers, and the purchasing pub- 
lic have come to thoroughly understand that he not 
only (juotes the very lowest market rates but furn- 
ishes goods that can be implicitly depended upon. 



Henry F. Lewis, Roofing and Jobbing, No. 
241 Main Street, Willimantic, Conn. — It goes 
without saying that the roof is by far the most 
practically important part of a house, for the most 
elegant and costly building may be uninhabitable 
if it have a leaky roof, while a very modest and 
humble structure may be thoroughly home-like 
and comfortable if the roof is sound and " weather- 
proof." The only way to be sure of securing this 
latter result is to have the work done by thor- 
oughly competent and reliable hands, and the res- 
idents of Willimantic and vicinity can do no 
better than to place their orders with Mr. Henry 
F. Lewis, for he makes a s)iecialty of roofing and 
jobbing of all kinds, including stove and furnace 
repairing and cleaning, and has the necessary 
facilities to enable him to execute all commissions 
at short notice and in thoroughly first-class and 
durable style. Mr. Lewis was born in Columbia, 
Conn., and began operations in this city in 1887. 
His shop is located at No. 241 Main street, and 
all orders, whether given in person or sent by 
mail, are assured prompt and painstaking atten- 
tion. Employment is given to three experienced 
and careful assistants, and Mr. Lewis makes a 
practice of carefully supervising operations, so 
that thorough and lasting work can be confidently 
expected in every instance. Repairing is made a 
specialty, and moderate charges are the rule in 
this as in all other departments of the business. 



24 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 




D. (J. Barrows, dealer in Diamonds, Watches, 
Clocks, Jewelry, Solid Silver and Silver Plated 
Ware. Repairing of Fine Watches a Specialty. 
139 Main Street, Willimantic, Conn — Tliere are 
no jewelry stores in this portion of the State that 
are better known than that carried on by Mr. D. 
C. Barrows at No. 1.39 Main street, and it goes 
without saying that tins establishment is as favor- 
ably' as it is widely known, for otherwise no snch 
immense patronage would be enjoyed as is now 
the case. Mr. Barrows is a native of Chaplin, 
Conn., and inaugurated the enterprise in question 
in 1879. The premises occupied are 18x70 feet 
in dimensions and contain a really magnificent 
stock of diamonds, watches, clocks, jewelry, silver 
ware, etc., which is made up entirely of trust- 
worthy goods and which is offered at the lowest 
market rates that can be quoted on standard arti- 
cles of equal value. P]niployment is given to two 
courteous and efficient assistants, and every caller 
is assured prompt attention and strictly honorable 
treatment. Repairing, both of watches and jew- 
elry is given special attention, and owners of fine 
chronome'ters may leave, their time-pieces here 
with the full assurance that they will be handled 
in a skillful manner and put into the best possible 
condition. All standard makes of watches are 
sold and bargains may be had either in the pur- 
chase of a cheap movement or in the most elabo- 
rate productions of the watch-maker's art. Clocks 
of many kinds are also extensively dealt in, and 
solid and plated silver ware is sold at the lowest 
market rates. 



E. r. Casey, Proprietor of the Boston Furni- 
ture Store; Furniture, Carpets, Crockery, Stoves, 
Ranges, and everything in the House Furnishing 
Line. Also Steam-ship Tickets Sold. Lower Main 
Street, opposite Thread Mill No. 1, Willimantic, 
Conn. — Tlie stock carried by Mr. E. F. Casey 
doing business on lower Main street opposite 
Thread Mill No. 1 is very large and attractive 
and shows evidence of great care and skill in its 
selection, but what especially makes this establish- 
ment a favorite with the purchasing public is the 
fair-minded and accommodating spirit displayed 
in its management. Mr. Casey sells furniture 
and household goods of all kinds for cash, or on 
installments, and since beginning operations in 



1876 has made a record for enterprise and honor- 
able dealing which commends him to all who 
appreciate straightforward business methods. 
Every article sold at the Boston Furniture Store 
is guaranteed to prove just as represented, there 
is no evasion and no attempt to shift responsibil- 
ity. If certain goods be warranted to have cer- 
tain qualities, the guarantee is strictly adhered to, 
and should it prove not to be justified by the 
facts, the matter will be made right, promptly 
and cheerfully, for this gentleman acts on the 
policy tliat he cannot afford to have an honestly 
dissatisfied customer, and he don't propose to have 
one if he can avoid it. The premises comprise 
four floors, and include twelve rooms. Three 
reliable assistants are employed, and furniture, 
carpets, crockery, stoves, ranges and everything 
in the housekeeping line, is dealt in. He also 
does undertaking, carrying a line of coffins, caskets 
and funeral goods. Mr. Casey is a native of 
Monson, Mass., and is very well known through- 
out Willimantic, where he has been tax collector 
for two years. He gives careful personal atten- 
tion to all departments of his business, and not 
only offers a very complete assortment of honestly 
made goods to choose from, but quotes bottom 
prices on every article. 



Sweeney & Dunn, Stationers, Booksellers and 
Newsdealers, 170 Main Street; also Willimantic 
News Depot, Periodicals, Cigars and Tobacco, 119 
Main Street, Willimantic. — The business carried 
on by Messrs. Sweeney & Dunn, at No. 170 Main 
street, was founded about thirty-five years ago, 
operations having been begun by Mr. James Wal- 
den in 1855, and he being succeeded by the pres- 
ent proprietors in 1887 (who also maintain an 
establishment at No. 119 Main street, known as 
the Willimantic News Depot, devoted to cigars, 
tobacco, and periodicals, where they first started 
in 18S4). The firm deal in stationery, books, 
periodicals, newspapers, ])aper hangings, etc., and 
carry a very heavy stock, both a wholesale and 
retail business being done. The very latest nov- 
elties in fashionable stationery are always to be 
found at their establishments, together with a 
complete line of commercial stationery, blank 
books, etc. All the leading magazines are also 
placed on sale at the earliest possible time after 
publication, and subscrijjtions will be received at 
publisher's rates, both for periodicals and news- 
papers. Novels and other books are dealt in quite 
extensively, the firm being prepared to furnish 
any book at short notice, at the regular retail 
price. Pens, pencils and writing materials of all 
kinds, both plain and ornamental, are carried in 
stock, as is also as carefully a chosen an assort- 
ment of paper hangings as the city can show. 
This comprises wall-papers of the very latest and 
most artistic designs, and as the prices quoted are 
uniformly moderate when compared with those 
named on similar goods elsewhere, it is not at all 
surprising that this should be one of the most 
popular departments of the business. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



25 




El(lre(li;e. & AdaillS, (4i-aiiite and Marble 
Works, JMonunients, Headstones, and Cemetery 
Work of all kinds. Scotch Granite a specialty. 
Rockville, Conn. A. P. Benner, Agent, Wilii- 
mantic, Conn. — It is not at all surprising that the 
monuments and tablets which were acceptalile a 
score or more of years ago should no longer be 
•called for by the more fastidious portion of the 
public, for the taste of the community has been 
very considei'ably cultivated and improved williin 
the i)ast twenty years and it is obvious that a dis- 
tinctly higher grade of monumental work should 
be demanded. It is owing tO' tlie ability and 
■enterprise shown in catering to this demand that 
the firm of Eldredge & Adams have built up so 
•extensive and desirable a business, for tiiey make 
a specialty of new and original designs and at the 
same time produce the very highest grade of 
workmanship. Granite and marble monuments, 
tablets, headstones, curbing, statuary and ceme- 
tery work of all kinds are furnished at short 
notice and at moderate rates, estimates being 
promptly and cheerfully made on application. 
Particular attention is given to work in Scotch 
granite, some very beautiful effects being obtain- 
able by the use of this material, which also ranks 
with the most durable of ornamental stones. 
Messrs. Eldredge & Adams are located in Rock- 
ville, Cotin., but they have a Willimantic agent 
at No. 64 Union street, in the pei'son of Mr. A. P. 
Benner, wlio is very widely and favorably known 
hereabouts and is prepared to make just as favor- 
able rates as can be obtained by dealing with the 
"firm directly. The agency was established in 
1874 and was formerly located in tlie Bank Build- 
ing, being removed to the present location in 1886. 
Mr. Ijenner is also agent fov the white bronze 
monuments, etc., made by the Monumental Bronze 
Co., of Bridgeport, Conn. These are offered in 
•over 500 different designs, and are indestructible, 
tasteful and moderate in price. Although but 
lately introduced there are already more than 
^0,000 of them now erected in this country, and 
half a million dollars' worth were put up last 
year. These monuments were awarded a gold 
medal at the New Orleans e.Yi)osition, and are 
«ndorsed by scientists as furnishing a handsome, 
tasteful and durable monument at a moderate price. 



A. D. David & €o., Pharmacie Fran^aise, 209 
Main Street, Willimantic, Conn.— An establish- 
ment W'hich well deserves special mention in a 
book intended to be distributed among the |)eople, 
is that carried on by Messrs, A. D. David & Co. 
at No. 209 Main street, Willimantic, for this 
establishment is one of the most reliable phar- 
niac-ii-s to be found in this vicinity. A. D. David 
&, Co. began business in 1883, at their present 
local ion, and have since built up a large wholesale 
and retail trade, not only in the immediate vicin- 
ity, but also for quite a distance around, for the 
care and skill shown in the compounding of physi- 
cians' prescriptions, have excited no little favora- 
ble comment, and has resulted in Messrs. A. D. 
David & Co.'s name being placed among the best- 
equipped dispensing chemists in town. They 
have the assistance of two competent clerks, and 
the details of the business are most ably managed. 
A store 22x3.5 feet is utilized and as might be 
expected a large and varied assortment of drugs, 
meilicines and chemicals is constantly carried. 
Also toilet and fanc)^ articles, and all druggists' 
sundries, are to be had here, and as the store is 
centrally located, our readers should make it a 
])oint to call and test the resources of this deserv- 
ing establishment. Courteous attention and 
prompt service is guaranteed to every caller, 
wliile no exorbitant charges are made. 



Mullen A.' Legeiulre, dealers in Groceries, 
Teas, Coffees, Spices, Fruit and Confectionery, 
Cigars and Tobacco, '25 Union Street, corner Jack- 
son, Willimantic. — All housekeepers are aware that 
there are a variety of articles which while included 
under the head of groceries, are still not to be 
bought to advantage in every grocery store. 
Tliese goods are generally called fancy groceries 
and include the latest novelties in relishes, condi- 
ments, etc. A house which while dealing in all 
descriptions of family groceries, still makes a 
specialty of teas, coffees, spices, fruits and confec- 
tionery, is that of which Messrs. Mullen & Legendre 
are the proprietors. This enterprise was inaugu- 
rated in 1889, and the public were quick to appre- 
ciate the advantages attendant u]ion dealing with 
this film. The ])remises in use are 20 x CO feet in 
dimensions, and contain an attractive stock attrac- 
tively arranged. Both partners give close per- 
sonal attention to the business, and being well 
posted in its various details, are able to maintain 
the high standard of efficiency they have estab- 
lished. Employment is given to experienced and 
polite assistants, and callers are in all cases shown 
due consideration and assured being waited upon 
at the earliest possible moment. In addition to 
the handling of the goods already mentioned a 
tine line of cigars and tobacco is always carried. 
Purchasers may depend upon the articles bought 
for no misrepresentation is allowed here, and the 
prices are always low. We would advise all 
interested readers to patronize this establishment 
which is located at No. 25 Union street. 



26 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 




^ Josepli Mauley, man- 

-^\ ufacturer of and liealer in 
%^ Harness, Robes, Blankets, 
IJiushts, Whips, etc. ; 
Tninks and Traveling 
Bags a Specialty. Re- 
pairing in all its Branches, 
Card's Block, Main Street, 
Willimantic, Conn. — Har- 
ness goods, etc., are diffi- 
cult things to buy unless 
you know just whom you 
are trading with, for it is 
hard to judge of the true value of such articles 
simply by personal inspection. Nothing can 
equal the test of wear, of course, but one thing 
can be done at all events, and that is to deal with 
a house that is unquestion.ably reliable and 
unquestionably moderate in its prices. No better 
example of such a concern could be wished for 
than that afforded by the enterprise conducted by 
Joseph Manley at No. 157 Main street. This has 
certainly been carried on long enough to enable 
some insight to be gained concerning its charac- 
teristics, for it was inaugurated in 1889. Mr. 
Manley was born in North Haven, and owing to 
his upright business methods is very generally 
known in this vicinity, and is as generally 
respected as he is known. The premises made 
use of comprise two rooms, one 20 X 30, and one 
20 X 50 feet in dimensions, and employment is 
given to three assistants. Mr. Manley manufact- 
ures harnesses of all grades, and deals in robes, 
blankets, brushes, whips, trunks and traveling 
bags, etc., and is in a position to supply a standard 
article at the lowest market rate. Every article 
manufactured or sold by him, is warranted to 
prove as represented, and integrity and honor are 
the distinguishing characteristics of his business 
methods. Custom work is promptly and skillfully 
attended to, and particular attention is paid to 
repairing, such work being done neatly, but as 
strong and durably as possible. 



T. K. Sadd, Cash Buyer and Seller of House 
Furnishing Goods and Notions, Willimantic, 
Conn. — The trade in house-furnishing goods has 
reached enormous proportions of late years, for 
every year there are new families to supply, and 
every year the ability of the average man to fur- 
nish his home with comforts and even luxuries 
seems to increase, judging from the furnishing of 
the ordinary home of to-day, as compared with 
that of a decade or so ago. Undoubtedly this is 
largely due to the cheapness of house furnishings 
at the present time, for there is no denying the 
fact that a dollar will go farther in the purchase 
of such goods nowadays than was ever before the 
case. Of course it is assumed that the dollar be 
invested to the best advantage, for there are 
.some dealers who ap|>arently have not heard of 
the droj) in prices and therefore adhere to the old 
and comparatively high rates, but no one would 
think of placing Mr. T. R. Sadd in this class, for 



no man in this city has done more to reduce the 
cost of house furnishings to consumers. He was- 
born in Ellington, Conn., and began business here 
in Willimantic in 1885, since which time his store 
has become one of the representative establish- 
ments of this section of the State. It is located 
in the Bank Building on Main street, and com- 
prises two floors of the dimensions of 80 X ^O 
feet ; all this large amount of space being required 
to accommodate the exceptionally heavj' and 
varied stock which is constantly carried, and 
which includes house-furnishing goods and notions- 
in almost endless variety. Mr. Sadd buys and 
sells for cash, and hence is enabled to quote posi- 
tively bottom prices on all the articles he handles, 
especially as he enjoys the most favorable relations 
with producers, and is one of the largest buyers 
in the business, his Willimantic establishment 
being but one of four with which he is identified, 
the others being located at New London, New 
Britain and at Putnam. Every article is fully 
guaranteed to prove as represented, and callers 
are always assured prompt and polite attention, as 
a large force of assistants is employed and uni- 
formly courteous service is extended to all. 



AV. N. Potter, Boots and Shoes, Leather and 
Findings, Willimantic, Conn. — It is said by those 
who have given the matter careful study, that 
there is not the slightest need of anybody's having 
corns or bunions, and that in the cases where such 
are present, it is only because ill-fitting or badly- 
shaped shoes have been worn. Now although 
many, and in fact most of the sufferers from 
corns, etc., will stoutly deny that they have ever 
worn shoes too small for them, still it should be 
remembered that although a shoe may be plenty 
large enough, taken as a whole, still it may press 
so hard upon a certain portion of the foot as to 
cause serious inconvenience, and finally bring 
about the formation of the painful excrescences 
we have previously alluded to. The remedy is 
simple. Purchase your boots and shoes from a 
house that carries so large and varied a stock as 
to enable all feet to be perfectly fitted, and that 
includes the productions of some of the best 
makers known. It is just such an assortment as 
this that is offered by Mr. W. N. Potter, located 
at the junction of Main and Union streets. This 
enterprise was founded in May, ISTd, by Messrs. 
Martin & Potter, ami in December, 1870, Mr, W. 
N. Potter assumed the entire control of the busi- 
ness and has attained a very large and rapidly 
increasing patronage. Mr. Potter is a native of 
Willimantic, and very well and favorably known- 
here. Realizing that there is a continuous demand 
in this vicinity for durable and thoroughly made 
footwear, at fair prices, he has endeavored to 
fully meet it, and his success is a matter of gen- 
eral comment. His store comprises one floor and 
basement, each 76 x 23 feet in dimensions, and 
two polite and efficient assistants are in atten- 
dance, and all visitors are assured prompt and 
courteous attention. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF Wir.LIMANTIC. 



2T 







^t- 



r |i > ' n 










^^<.K 



Siiiitiiville illiuiiifiictiiriiij; Co., Cotton 
Goods, Twills and Prints, Jiridge Street, "Willi- 
mantic. — It may be an exaggeration to state that 
the cheaper and more common a product is, the 
more costly is the plant of machinery utilized in 
its making, but it is nevertheless a fact that many 
of the articles which are sold at figures within the 
means of all, represent an investment of thousands 
of dollars, for they owe their cheapness to the 
wonderful efficiency of the machinery by which 
they are made. This is especially true in the case 
of textile fabrics and particularly of cotton goods, 
as may be seen by visiting such an establishment 
as that conductetl by the Smithville Manufactur- 
ing Co., on Bridge street, for this company are 
very extensively engaged in the production of 
cotton goods, twills and prints, and operate one 
of the most complete planis of machinery in the 
State. The business was founded some forty 
years ago and has long ranked as one of Willi- 
mantic's truly representative industries. The 
premises utilized comprise a four-story building 
of the dimensions of 250x50 feet, with an ell 
measuring 150X50 feet, and the mills are equipped 
throughout with improved machinery, including 
20,S5n spindles, 508 looms, three water wheels, 
and a large, double, Corliss engine. Employment 
is given to 300 operatives, and the product is in 
active and continual demand, it having a reputa- 
tion by no means confined to this section. Many 
original and tasteful designs are turned out liere 
every season, and the company are prepared to 
meet all honorable competition both as regards 
quality and price. Mr. Stephen A. Jencks is pies- 
ident of the company, ^Nlr. O. A. Washburn, Jr., 
being agent and treasurer. 

Maverick Steam Laiindry, Wra. J. Asher, 
Proprietor, 200 Main Street, ojiposite Hooker 
House, Willimantie, Conn.— New England people 
as a general thing are rather conservative, and are 



not given to making changes without some good 
reason exists for doing so, but on the otlier hand,. 
they are quick to recognize genuine merit, and 
hence may be depended upon to patronize any 
really worthy enterprise to which their attention 
may be called. As a case in point, let us refer to 
the high degree of success attained by the JNIav- 
erick Steam Laundry, of which ifr. Wm. J. Asher 
is the proprietor, located at No. 200 Main street,. 
\\'illimantic. This enterprise was inaugurated in 
February, 1SS9, and as soon as the fine character 
of the work turned out became known, and it was 
learned that the prices were as reasonable as the 
work was satisfactory, a large patronage was 
accorded the proprietor, and this has steadily and 
rapidly increased up to the present time. Mr. 
Wm. J. Asher, the proprietor of the Maverick 
Steam Laundry is a native of Springfield, Mass., 
and to him must due credit be given for the 
establishment of an iudusti-y so useful to the com- 
munity, for he has worked hard and earnestly to 
maintain his motto, "Good work and promptness." 
The premises utilized by Mr. Asher comprise two 
floors 70 X 18, and 25 X 18 feet respectively, in 
dimensions. Four competent assistants are em- 
ployed, and special prices are given on family 
work. Goods are called for and delivered free of 
charge, orders by postal card, or otherwise, deliv- 
ered, will receive prompt attention. The public 
has long since discovered that the cock-and-bull 
stories circulated by certain interested parties, 
calculated to convey the impression that goods 
intrusted to a public laundry would be soon 
destroyed, was entirely unworthy of credence for 
however it may be with other concerns the ^lav- 
erick Steam Laundry employs no agents nor 
machines that could possibly harm the articles 
laundried by them. It is noticeable that although 
two other steam laundries were started in Willi- 
mantie previous to this one, the Maverick is the 
only one in existence at present. 



28 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



William Yaiiderraan, Plumber, Steam and 
Gas Pipe Fitter, and dealer in Manufacturers' and 
Engineers' Supplies. First-class Plumbing and 
Low Pressure Steam Heating a Specialtj-. 21 
Church Street, Willimantic, Conn.— It is far 
better to have no plumbing at all in a house than 
to have what plumbing there is improperly done, 
and the same thing may be said concerning steam 
heating or hot water apparatus ; for furnaces or 
even stoves will give better satisfaction than the 
most efficient steam apparatus, if the latter is so 
wrongly put up as not to have a chance to prove 
its advantages. This is no theory of ours, but 
has been repeatedly proved by practical experi- 
ence, so we say to our readers "have no plumbing, 
steam or gas fitting done unless you can have "it 
done right." For'tunately there is no trouble in 
having such work properly done if you reside in 
Willimantic or vicinity, it being necessary only 
to place the order with' Mr. Wilfiam Vanderman, 
doing business at No. 21 Church street, for he 
has had twenty years of varied experience and 
has unequalled facilities for the filling of the very 
largest orders at short notice ; satisfaction being 
guaranteed to every customer. Mr. Vanderman 
was born in Hartford and learned his trade there 
and has been a practical plumber, steam and gas 
fitter for more than a score of years. He makes a 
specialty of first-class plumbing and low pressure 
steam andhot water heating, and those wishing 
proof of his ability to satisfy the most critical in 
this kind of work are respectfully referred to 
Vanderman's out of town work in"l889, viz : At 
Webster, Mas.s., Tracy block, F. F. Chase's dwell- 
ing, A. B. Atkinson's dwelling, Richard Thomp- 
son's dwelling, Mrs. E. G. Lam^'b's dwelling, Nich- 
olas F. Gilleis dwelling, John B. McQuaid's dwell- 
ing, L. H. Tiffany's dwelling, F. A. Upham's 
-dwelling, Roderick Johnson's dwelling ; at Pom- 
fret, Benjamin Grosvenor's dwelling, Charles 
Grosvenor's dwelling ; at Thompson, J. W. 
Doane's dwelling; at Wauregan, L. P. Lamou- 
reux's dwelling ; at Putnam, C. H. Kelley, B. M. 
Kent, Putnam Water Company, Putnam Convent ; 
A. C. Gordon, Woodstock ; Convent, Baltic ; Tol- 
land County Children's Home, Vernon ; Rev. J. H. 
Fitzmaurice, South Coventry ; W. T. Williams, 
Tantic ; Chase Bros., Chaplin ; Charles H. Ham- 
mond, Colchester. In connection with plumbing 
he also manufactures quite a number of his patent 
plumbing specialties, and is receiving orders from 
all parts of the United States. He has just com- 
pleted a cast iron boiler for hot water and steam 
heating and it is conceded by those acquainted 
with heaters to be a first-class boiler and has quite 
a number of advantages not possessed by other 
boilers. Small and large orders are given equally 
■careful attention and from ten to fifteen assistants 
are constantly employed, a branch shop being 
maintained in Putnam. Mr. Vanderman dealt 
largely in manufacturers' and engineers' supplies 
and is in a position to quote bottom prices on 
them ; carrying a sufficiently large stock to enable 
all orders to be filled without delay. 



C. W. Turner & Son, Market, 223 Main Street, 
Willimantic, Conn. — There is probably no house- 
keeper but what has experienced more or less 
difficulty in obtaining entirely satisfactory meats, 
for the payment of the highest market rates by 
no means assures the purchaser of getting first- 
class goods, as many of our readers undoubtedly 
know from practical experience. This is not 
always the fault of the dealer, for mistakes are 
sure to happen in every line of business and some- 
times these mistakes are entirely excusable, but 
nevertheless it is perfectly safe to say that, gen- 
erally speaking, those who are willing to pay for 
high grade meats should be able to depend upon 
being supplied with such, and in this connection 
we may very fittingly call attention to the facil- 
ities offered at the C. W. Turner »fc Son's Market, 
223 Main street, for here may always be found a 
first-class assortment of fresh, salted and smoked 
meats, and those who want choice cuts of beef, 
mutton or lamb should by all means give this 
popular establishment a call. The proprietors are 
Messrs. C. W. Turner & Son, and the members of 
the firm give personal attention to the filling of 
orders, besides employing a number of efficient 
assistants, so that callers are sure of prompt and 
courteous service. Vegetables, country pi-oduce, 
etc., are largely dealt in, and the prices quoted on 
all the goods handled will be found strictly in 
accordance with the lowest market rates, while at 
the same time every article may be fully depended 
upon to prove as represented. Orders will be 
promptly and accurately delivered, and no trouble 
is spared to satisfy every reasonable customer. 

D. H. Heiiken, Merchant Tailor, the Most 
Fashionable Styles and First-Class Workmanship; 
Tailors' Trimmings of all kinds ; Atwood Block, 
129 Main Street, Willimantic, Conn. — The money 
put into a thoroughly and skillfully made custom 
suit or garment is very well invested, for people 
must have clothes and there is much to be gained 
by dressing neatly, tastefully and fashionably. 
"The apparel oft proclaims the man," and other 
persons' judgment of us as well as our judgment 
of them depends largely upon the character of the 
clothes worn, so that all business men who appre- 
ciate the advantage of making a favorable 
impression should also appreciate the importance 
of wearing well-made and perfect-fitting garments. 
It isnot necessary to pay a fancy price in order to 
obtain such, and if any of our readers doubt this 
fact we would most certainly advise them to visit 
the establishment conducted by Mr. D. H. Hen- 
ken, at No. 129 Main street, Atwood Block, for he 
is a merchant tailor of long and varied experience, 
and has a well-earned reputation for producing 
thoroughly satisfactory garments at thoroughly 
satisfactory prices. Mr. Henken was born in 
Germany, but has lived in this country for many 
years, having founded his present business in 
1861. His premises have an area of 1800 square 
feet, and contain a beautiful, extensive and taste- 
fully chosen stock of foreign and domestic fabrics 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIG. 



2» 



for gentlemens' wear, and a full line of all kinds 
of tailors' trimmings. Suits or single garments 
will be made up in accordance with the very latest 
styles, a perfect fit and first-class workmanship 
being guaranteed and orders being filled at short 
notice. Mr. Henken is very reasonable in his 
prices, no tailor in the city quoting lower figures 
on equally desirable work. 



C. H. Towiisend, Photographer, Corner Main 
and Railroad Streets, Willimantie, Conn. — Prob- 
ably in no brancli of the arts have more improve- 
ments been made during recent years than in that 
of photography ; and the avidity with whicli the 
inventions of late days liave been availed of by 
the profession, is a convincing proof of the spirit 
of enterprise which has been a distinguishing fea- 
ture of those concerned in the business. Mr. C. 
H. Townsend has been established here since 1868, 
as a photographic artist, and has a long and prac- 
tical experience. Ilis studio is located at the 
corner of Main and Railroad streets, in Bassett's 
Block, and is considei-ed one of the finest in Wil- 
limantie. Mr. Townsend is an example of a pains- 
taking, thorough artist. A visit to his studio will 
amply repay the lover of the beautiful and artistic. 
Mr. Townsend is a native of Athens, Ohio, and 
served in the army as private for two years and 
nine months during our late Southern war. He is 
well known in social as well as business circles of 
this community, where he has achieved most hon- 
orable distinction as one of the best known photo- 
graphic artists in Willimantie. 



W. D. Grant, Commission ^Merchant, and 
wholesale dealer in Baled Ilay, Flour, Grain, 
Feed, Grass Seeds, etc., cor. Valley and Jackson 
Streets, Willimantie, Conn. — The commission 
houses of this city, taken as a whole, have a very 
high reputation for the making of prompt returns 
and the general carrying out of a perfeclly hon- 
orable business policy, and it is unquestionably a 
fact that they have much to do with making 
Willimantie the important business centre it has 
been for some years. To occupy a leading posi- 
tion in a branch of trade where the general aver- 
age is so high is no light honor, and we therefore 
take especial pleasure in recording the fact that 
the enterprise conducted by Mr. W. D. Grant is 
fully worthy of such a position and in fact has 
held it for quite a long time, almost from the 
date of its inauguration, in 1877. The under 
taking was founded by Messrs. E. Bugbee & Co , 
who were succeeded in 1881, by Messrs. J. C. 
Bugbee & Co., this firm giving place to Messrs. 
Bugbee & Grant in 1885, and the present propri- 
etor assuming sole control three years later. He 
is a native of Ashford, Conn., and is too well 
known in Willimantie to require extended per- 
sonal mention. Mr. Grant is a commission mer- 
chant, and wholesale dealer in baled hay, flour, 
grain, feed, grass seed, etc., and utilizes spacious 



premises at the corner of Valley and Jackson 
streets, carrying a very heavy stock and doing 
both a wholesale and retail business. Employ- 
ment is given to two assistants and large and 
small orders are promptly filled. 



Tripp Bros., dealers in Fine Family Groceries, 
Willimantie, Conn. — That it is poor economy ta 
use poor groceries will be readily agreed by all 
experienced housekeepers and the importance of 
discrimination in the selection of these goods ia 
due, not alone to this fact, but also to the influ- 
ence of the food upon the health, an influence 
which is now conceded to be much stronger than- 
would once have been admitted. Fortunately the 
residents of Willimantie and vicinity need have 
no difficulty in securing relialjle groceries, for 
there ai'e many honorable dealers in such goods, 
to be found here, and one of the most prominent 
of them is the firm of Tripp Bros., doing business- 
011 Main street, opposite Adams Express Office. 
These gentlemen succeeded Mr. O. D. Brown in^ 
their present enterprise February 25, 1 889. Messrs. 
Tripp Brothers are both natives of East Charles- 
ton, Vt., and are very well and favorably known 
throughout Willimantie. The premises utilized 
comprise two floors each 20x60 feet in dimen- 
sions, and contain a large and varied assortment 
of fancy and staple products especially adapted 
to family use. The teas and coffees are of excep- 
tionally fine flavor, while the assortment of canned* 
goods, etc., is made up of the productions of the 
most reputable and popular packers. All the 
favorite brands of flour are offered at the lowest, 
market rates, and orders are delivered promptly. 



The North Street Meat Market, Fresh and 
Salt Meats and Canned goods, H. Howey, Agent, 
Willimantie, Conn. — Notwithstanding the large 
number of meat markets to be found in Williman- 
tie, there are none too many of them where 
strictly dependable goods are sold at fair rates, 
for it is notorious that at some establishments of 
this kind it is practically impossible to obtain. 
first-class meats at any price. There is an exten- 
sive and constantly increasing demand for the 
belter grades of meats, and we can give no better 
advice'to such of our readers as may want any- 
thing in this line than to call at the North Street 
Meat Market, conducted by Mr. H. Howey, on 
North street. He is thoroughly acquainted with 
his business in every detail, and as he gives per- 
sonal attention to the filling of orders he is in a. 
position to guarantee prompt and careful service 
to his patrons. The stock on hand comprises 
fresh, salt, smoked and pickled meats of every 
description, and whether you want a choice cut or 
a piece of soup stock you can buy it here to the 
best possible advantage, for Mr. Howey caters to 
all classes of trade and quotes bottom prices on^ 
all the goods he handles. Not only meats but, 
vegetables and fruit are largely dealt in, together 
wilh fresh country produce of all kinds. 



30 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIHAJSriC. 




E. A. Buck iV; Co., dealers in Flour, Grain, 
Feed, Lumber, etc. Willimantic Steam Mill, Wil- 
limantic. Conn.— As truly representative a busi- 
ness firm as can be found in this city is tliat of E. 
A. I>uck & Co., for this concern carry on one of 
the most important enterprises in town and are 
•conceded on all sides to be the leaders in their 
special line. They are millers, and contractors 
for all kinds of hard-wood lumber, railroad ties, 
etc., and do both a wholesale and retail business,' 
being prepared to furnish anything in their line 
in quantities to suit at positively bottom prices. 
Of course in order to do this they must have 
unsurpassed facilities and these they most cer- 
tainly possess, their establishment being one of 
the most conveniently arranged of the kind in the 
State. _ It is located at No. 89 Main street, and 
comprises two mills, of the dimensions of .30 x 95 
and 30 X 65 respectively. The premises are 
directly on the line of the railroad, so that goods 
can be received and shipped at a mininuiln of 
trouble and expense. The machinery in use is 
•driven by steam-power and is of the latest- 
improved type, the meal produced being made 
from carefully selected material and having a very 
high reputation in the market. Seed oats, grass 
seed, salt, fertilizers, etc., are also dealt in, to- 
gether with hard-wood lumber, railroad ties, etc., 
these latter commodities being furnished in exten- 
sive lots at very short notice. The firm is con.sti- 
tuted of Mr. p]. A. Buck and his son, Mr. W. A. 
Buck, both of whom are natives of Ashford, Conn. 
The senior partner has held about all the town 
offices, and has also served as State senator, rep- 
resentative and treasurer, holding the latter posi- 
tion from 1876 to 1S78. The firm are constantly 



enlarging their operations, and in addition to their 
VV illimantic establishment they carry on a hard- 
ware store at Stafford Springs, Conn., and at 
l^almer, Mass., bemg engaged in the oil business 
also in the latter town. 



J. C. Lincoln, dealer in Furniture, Mattresses 
Cai-pets and Wall Papers, junction of Main and 
Union Streets, Willimantic, Conn.— In buying 
furniture it is always well to remember that dura- 
bility IS at least as important as appearance, and 
the only way to get durable as well as handsome 
goods IS to patronize a dealer who not only guar- 
antees his articles to prove as represented but 
whose guarantee is worth something. No one 
can successfully deny that Mr. J. C. Lincoln "fills 
the bill " in both these respects, for such a denial 
^^ould need no stronger refutation than that 
ottered by the record this gentleman has made 
during the many years that be has carried on busi- 
ness here. The establishment in. question was 
founded by Messrs. Clark & Lincoln, and has been 
for some tune under the sole management of Mr. 
Lincoln. The premises made use of are located 
at the junction of Main and Union streets, and 
comjjrise four floors including eleven large rooms. 
An immense stock is carried, made up°of furni- 
ture mattresses, carpets, wall-papers, stoves, 
crockery ware, and house-furnishing goods in 
general, and the latest novelties as well as a full 
line of staple articles are always to be had here at 
the lowest market rates. Three competent assist- 
ants are constantly in attendance and all custom- 
ers are served in a polite and intelligent manner, 
and every order is assured prompt and painstaking 
attention. 



P. A. Tnido & Co., dealers in Groceries, Pro- 
visions, Canned Goods, Maple Syrup, Tobaccp 
and Cigars, 227 Main Street, Willimantic, Conn 
— Many a housekeeper is looking for just such ai 
establishment as that carried on by Messrs. P. A 
Trudo & Co., at No. 227 Main street, and we tak< 
pleasure in commending this enterprise to such 
inquirers for we know that Messrs. Trudo & Co.'s 
methods are bound to please, and we know that 
those who have business dealings with this con- 
cern are outspoken in their approval of the accom- 
modations offered. Operations were begun in 
1889 and the trade has since been steadily increas- 
ing. Mr. Trudo is a native of Canada, and has a 
large circle of friends in this vicinity. The prem- 
ises utilized are of the dimensions of 30 x 30 feet, 
and the stock on hand is not only large but unusu- 
ally varied as well, as it includes groceries, provi- 
sions and canned goods of all kinds, also cigars 
and tobacco. It will be seen that the greater part 
of the household food supply mav be obtained of 
Messrs. Trudo & Co., and as their prices are all 
that can be reasonably desired as regards fairness, 
etc., it is well worth while giving them a call! 
The groceries and provisions comprise the best 
the markets afford, and the canned goods handled 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



31 



are various in kind and best in quality, while 
■everything liandled in stock is received direct 
from the producers and are quoted at prices as 
low as tlie lowest. 



S. E. Aillidon & Co., dealers in Fine Family 
Groceries, West Main Street, Williniantie, Conn. 
— Should a person thoroiiglily acquainted with the 
comparative standing of the various business 
houses of tliis city be asked to name half a dozen 
of the leading grocery firms of Williraantic he 
would unquestionably include Messrs. S. E. Ami- 
don & Co. in the list, for this concern have long 
held their present high position and are generally 
conceded to have few if any rivals in their par- 
ticulai' line. The reasons for this favorable judg- 
ment are not difficult to learn, for no one can visit 
their establishment without being impressed by 
the magnitude and variety of the stock carried, 
the dependable character of the goods and the 
low prices quoted on the same, while the prompt 
and courteous attention extended to every caller 
is of itself enough to entitle this representative 
concern to particularly favorable mention. The 
premises made use of comprise three floors and 
are located in the Windham County Building, on 
West Main street, the great amount of space 
available enabling a very heavy and complete 
stock to be carried, and the goods to be displayed 
to excellent advantage. Choice staple and fancy 
groceries of eveiy description are dealt in, and as 
■employment is given to four competent assistants 
all orders can be accurately filled at short notice. 
It is doubtful if any othei' grocery firm in town 
has so lai'ge a pro])ortion of regular customers, for 
Messrs. S. E. Amidon & Co. cater so intelligently 
and successfully to family trade that the induce- 
ments they otter cannot easily be jjarallelled else- 
where. The lowest market prices are quoted, 
■every article being warranted to prove as repre- 
sented. Mr. Amidon is a native of Sturbridge, 
Mass., and is universally known in Willimantic 
and vicinity, having served as burgess in 1886 and 
1887, and as first selectman the following year, 
1888. 



H. R. Chiippell, House and Sign Painter, 
Paper Hanger, and dealer in Paints, Oils, Ghiss, 
■etc.. Lower Main Street, Willimantic, Conn. — 
Much of the protective value of paints, oils, etc., 
depends upon the character of the ingredients 
used in their composition, and as these articles are 
used quite as much for their preservative as foi- 
their decorative qualities, it follows that care 
should be taken to purchase them fiom a concern 
which may be depended upon to furnish honest 
and reliable goods. No dealer in these articles in 
Williraantic has a better record in this respect 
than Mr. H. R. Chappell, and his customers enjoy 
an additional advantage in the fact that the stock 
■carried is so large and varied that it is easy to 
fnd goods therein which are particularly suited to 
^he present business in hand. Mr. Chappell alt^o 



gives particular attention to painting, paper- 
hanging, etc., and employs several experienced 
workmen for this department. The premises 
utilized comprise a building two stories in height 
and covering an area of 60 x 40 feet, and employ- 
ment is given to a sufficient force of assistants to 
properly attend to all the many details of the 
large and steadily increasing business transacted. 
Paints, oils and glass will be supplied in quantities 
to suit at the very lowest market rates. All 
orders being accurately filled at short notice. 
Mr. Chappell's business is increasing steadily and 
it is pleasant to note a success so honestly won. 



Madclock & McPlierson, 

aENERAL 

JOB PRINTERS. 

All kinds of Book and .Job Printing, Business Cards, 

Note Heads, Letter Heads, Statements, 

Bill Heads. Etc. 

38 MAIN ST., WILLIMANTIC, CONN. 

The establishment conducted by this firm enjoys 
a fine trade in jol> printing of all descriptions and 
is well patronized by those who aj)preciate work 
done in first-class style, at short notice and at 
moderate rates. A specialty is made of mercan- 
tile printing, bill, letter, and note heads, state- 
ments, circulars, envelopes, tags, dodgers, etc., 
being printed in a neat and attractive fashion in 
quantities to suit. Ornamental work such as 
menus, wedding and visiting cards, programmes, 
ball orders, etc., is given carelul attention, while 
tickets, bills and dodgers for lectures and other 
entertainments will be furnished at very short 
notice if desired. Estimates will be cheerfully 
and promptly furnished, and business from all 
parts of the State is solicited, orders by mail 
being assured immediate and satisfactory atten- 
tion. First-class work is guaranteed in every 
instance, and those wishing anything done in the 
printing line should make it a point to call on or 
send to Maddock & McPherson, No. 38 Main 
street. 



" The Ladies' Store," Chase, Barker & Co., 

J 90 Main Street, Chapman Block, Willimantic. — 
The name of the " Ladies' Store," may properly 
be said to have a double meaning, for not only is 
the establishment in question devoted expressly 
to the handling of goods for ladies' use, but the 
proprietors are all ladies, the firm Chase, Barker 
& Co., consisting of Mrs. A. H. Chase, Miss A. E. 
Barker and the Misses Chase, there being four 
partners altogether. This enterprise was inaugu- 
rated in 1888, but the business experience of those 



32 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTJC. 



constituting the firm is by no means confined to 
the-coraparatively brief period since intervening, 
as indeed might be guessed from the ability evi- 
dent in the management of the undertaking. 
Mrs. Chase was formerly postmistress at Clayton, 
N. J., and in conjunction with her daughters car- 
ried on a drug store in that town. She is a native 
of Maine, as are also the Misses Chase, while Miss 
Barker was born in New York State. "The 
Ladies' Store," is located in Chapman's Block, No. 
190 Main street, and contains as carefully and 
tastefully chosen a stock of ladies' and children's 
furnishings, etc., as can be found in the city. It 
is very popular with ladies residing in Willimantic 
and vicinity, and well deserves to'be, for not only 
are the goods dependable, the latest novelties 
offered and the prices low, but ])rompt and cour- 
teous attention on the part of some member of 
the firm is assured to every caller so that lady 
patrons may depend upon being served by ladies 
— an advantage the importance of which our 
readers will readily understand. 



Clias. R. IJtle.y, dealer in Books and Stationery, 
Paper Hangings, Shades, Fixtures, etc., 112 Main 
Street, Willimantic, Conn.— It would certainly 
be an unpardonable omission did we fail to 
make mention of the enterprise carried on by Mr. 
Chas. R. Utley, at No. 112 Main street, for this is 
a representative house of its kind, and ranks with 
the most prominent in this section of the city. 
Operations were begun in 1877, by Mr. C. C. 
Crandall, who was succeeded by the present pro- 
prietor in 1879. Mr. Charles R. Utley is a native 
of Chaplin, Conn., and was burgess for 1888 and 
1889. An extensive wholesale and retail business 
is done, and books, stationery, paper hangings, 
shades, fixtures, etc., are constantly handled. The 
premises now utilized comprise one floor 85 x 20 
feet, with basement. This store was taken owing 
to lack of space at the old location for the rapidly 
increasing business. Where so varied a supply 
of articles is carried, it is impossible in a notice so 
brief as the exigencies of space require this to be, 
to make proper detailed mention of the many 
commodities contained within it, but it may be 
oroadly stated that whatever Mr. Utley offers to 
nis customers, is sure to be reliable, and fully 
worth the price set upon it. The books handled 
are varied in binding as well as in subject, and 
not only is a fine assortment of the most popular 
work carried, but orders will be taken for any 
desired book, the volume being supplied at the 
regular market price. Some beautiful patterns 
are shown in wall papers, and shades and fixtures, 
and choice designs are offered at low rates. 



Messrs. Amidon & Dimmick was inaugurated a 
good many years ago, and ranks with the best- 
known and most genuinely popular undertaking* 
of the kind in the city. Both members of the 
firm are natives of Willimantic and have a very 
extensive business here as they carry a heavy 
and varied stock of choice staple and fancy 
groceries, flour, teas, coffees, spices, canned goods, 
etc., being prepared to furnish these commodities 
at the very lowest market rates and to guarantee 
that the goods shall prove precisely as represented. 
The premises utilized are located at the junction 
of Main and Union streets, and comprise two spa- 
cious apartments, the respective dimensions of 
which are 40 X 90 and 50 X 90 feet. The 
promptness with which customers are waited 
upon is one of the most noticeable and gratifying 
characteristics of the business, for Messrs. Ami- 
don & Dimmick employ five experienced assist- 
ants and are consequently in a position to fill all 
orders at very short notice. Particular attention 
is given to family trade, and no grocery house in 
the city is better prepared to furnish dependable 
and thoroughly satisfactory goods at the very 
lowest market rates. 



Amidon & Dimmick, dealers in Fine 
Groceries, Flour, Teas, Coifees, Canned Goods, 
etc., junction of Main and Union Streets, Willi- 
mantic, Conn. — The enterprise carried on by 



Ansel Arnold & Co., Commission Merchants, 
and wholesale dealers in Four, Grain, Meal and 
Grass Seeds, Willimantic, Conn. — The enterprise 
conducted by Messrs. Ansel Arnold & Co., has 
for many years held a leading position among 
similar undertakings throughoiTt this portion of 
the State, for it was inaugurated in 1870 and 
soon gained the high rank "it has since retained. 
Operations were begun by Mr. Ansel Arnold 
alone, but in 1878 he became associated with Mr. 
H. N. Chapman, and the existing firm-name was- 
adopted. The senior partner is a native of Som- 
ers, Conn., while Mr. Chapman was born in Elling- 
ton, in the same State. Both members of the firm 
are widely known throughout this section, partic- 
ularly Mr. Arnold, for he has held various public 
oftices and is also prominently identified with 
other important business undertakings besides the 
one now under consideration, he being president 
of the Morris Machine Company, president board 
of trade, vice-president of the First National 
Bank, vice-president of the Dime Saving's Bank, 
and has been representative to the general assem- 
bly in 1857 and 1876. The firm utilize very 
extensive premises at No. 196 Main street, six 
floors being occupied in all, and an immense stock 
of flour, grain, meal and grass seeds being con- 
stantly carried. A very large commission busi- 
ness is done, and the commodities mentioned will 
be furnished in any desired quantities without 
delay, both wholesale and retail customers being 
supplied. It is almost unnecessary to add that 
Messrs. Ansel Arnold & Co., are in a position to 
quote positively the lowest market rates, or that 
prompt attention is assured to every order. 



LEAVING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



33 



K. T. I=OiAZI_ER 5t SON. 

SUCCESSORS TO CARPENTER & !=0 i(\£ I_ E R. i 
DKALEllS IX 

jiardware, JVEanufactuFers' arid Builders' Supplies, 

CARPENTERS', MACHIINISTS' A1\D FARIWIM; TOOLS, SEEDS, VMMl-M TlOfX, CUTI.ERY, 

FISHINU TAC^iLE, IRO.\ AND STEEI. 

S t e a mi F*ipeancl Draii:i Pipe. 
Cor. Main and Railroad Sts. WILLIMANTIC, CONN. 

The extent aud v^iiely of the manufacturing and building interests of Willimantic and viciuitj- create a large and 
-■constant demand for manufactucers' aud builders' supplies, miking the business of tliose engaged in supplying such 
commodities a very important one, so Ih.a no apology is necessary for calling our reailers' attention to the enterprise 
conducted by Messrs. A. T. Fowler & Son, this tirm being very prominently idmtitied wi'h tlie line of trade in question. 
The business was founded iu ISIi'J, by Messrs. Carpenter & Fowler, and so continued until ISSl), when the present lirm- 
nime was estaLilished. The premises utilized by this firm are located at the corner of Main and Railroad streets, 
comprising three rooms, 70 X 30, 40 X 60, and 10 X 40 feet iu dfuieiisions. The slock on hand is very extensive and 
comprises, in addition to hardware, a full assortment of manufacturers' and builders' supplies, carpenters', machinists', 
and farming tools, seeds, ammunition, cutlery, tishlag tackle, iron and steel, steam pip' and drain pipe. These goods 
are obtained from the most reliable sources and are guaranteed to prove strictly as represented in every respect^ An 
exteniive \vliole4ale and retail business is done, and the lowest market rates are quoted in every department, and as 
employment is given to three experienced and competent assistants all orders, whether large or small, aje assured 
prompt attention and will be filled in the most accurate, careful and satisfactory manner. 



Diirkee, Stiles & Co., wholesale dealers in 
Groceries, Provisions, Kerosene Oil, Flour, Grain, 
Feed and Baled Hay, 90 and 94 Main Street, Wil- 
limantic, Conn.— There is a fatniliar old saying to 
the effect that a stream cantiot rise higher than 
its source, and it is equally true that the retail 
establishment devoted to any special line of busi- 
ness cannot offer first-class inducements if they 
are obliged to depend upon second-class wholesale 
houses to furnish them with their supplies. It is 
therefore clear tiiat every i-esident of SVillimantic 
and vicinity is directly interested in the character 
of the local wholesale grocery houses, for groceries 
rank with the necessities of life and it is of the 
first importance to be able to buy them to the 
best possible advantage. The concern known as 
Durkee, Stiles & Co., may justly be regarded as 
the representative wholesale grocery house of this 
■city, for the enterprise it conducts is of long and 
honorable standing, having been carried on for 
some time by Messrs. Buck, Durkee & Stiles pre- 
vious to the present firm assuming control. Very 
extensive premises are occupied at Nos. 90 and 
94 Main street, together with a spacious store- 
house on Railroad street, and an immense stock is 
carried at all times, it being made up of staple 
and fanc}' groceries, provisions, kerosene oil, flour, 
grain, feed and baled hay, and being remarkably 
■complete in every department. The firm are in a 
position to easily meet all honorable competition 
for they enjoy the most favorable relations with 
producers and have a well-earned reputation for 
•quoting bottom prices as well as for handling 
goods that will give the best of satisfaction to the 
most select trade. Employment is given to six 
4issi8tants, and orders are assured immediate and 
pain,staking attention. The individual members 
■of the firm are Messrs. E. M. Durkee, G. E. Stiles 
and G. M. Harrington, all of -whom are widely 
inown in business and in social circles. 



Lincoln & Boss, dealers in Lumber, Coal and 
Builders' Materials. Yards, North Street and 
Opposite Depot. Office, North Street. Telephone 
Connection. Willimantic, Conn. — The enterprise 
conducted by Messrs. Lincoln & Boas may fairly 
be classed among the most distinctively represen- 
tative undertakings carried on in this city, for it 
has been in operation for a number of years and 
has been so managed as to give it a reputation 
equal to the best. It was founded by Messrs. 
Loomer & Kingsley, who were succeeded by Mr. 
S. F. Loomer, he giving place to Messrs. L. & M. 
E. Lincoln, and they to ]\Iessrs. Lincoln, Smith & 
Co., who were succeeded by Messrs. Lincoln & 
Smith, Mr. M. E. Lincoln next assuming sole con- 
trol and retaining it until the formation of the 
existing firm, in 1882. This is constituted of 
Messrs. M. Eugene Lincoln and Charles L. Boss, 
the former being a native of Witidham and the 
latter of Willimantic. Mr. Lincoln has held vari- 
ous town offices and served as first selectman one 
year, and Mr Boss has held the position of burgess. 
The firm deal extensively in lumber, coal, lime, 
cement, plaster, hair and builders' materials in 
general, utilizing yards on North street, and oppo- 
site the depot, and having an office on North 
street. The premises are connected by telephone 
and the arrangements for the prompt and acccu- 
rate tilling of orders are first-class in every 
respect, the employment of twenty experienced 
assistants and the carrying of an exceptionally 
large and complete stock putting the concern in a 
position to supply both their wholesale and their 
retail customers without appreciable delay. The 
lowest market rates are quoted at all times, and 
considering the standing of this house it seems 
almost unnecessary to add that the various com- 
modities furnished may be implicitly depended 
upon to prove just as represented. 



34 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



Union Shoe Store, Julius Pinney, Proprietor, 
C. F. Risedorf, Manager, 154 Main Street, Willi- 
mantic, Conn. — Tliere are probably very few of 
our readers but wbat have experienced more or 
less difficulty in getting foot-wear to suit them, 
for it is a well-known fact that boots and shoes 
are among the hardest of all articles of wearing 
apparel to select. The most successful dealer is 
the man who recognizes the diversity of taste 
among his customers, and acts accordingly. 
Therefore after inspecting the stock carried at 
the Union Shoe Store, at No. 154 Main street, one 
feels no surprise at the very extensive business 
carried on, for it is plainly evident that provision 
is made for supplying widely varying wants. 
Boots and shoes for business, street and dress 
wear, are included in the assortment offered, and 
by no means the least noticeable characteristic of 
this establishment are the bottom prices quoted 
in the various departments. The Union Shoe 
Store was established in 1 857, by Geo. C. Elliot, who 
was succeeded by the firm of Woisard & Mathieu 
about 1880, the present proprietor assuming con- 
trol in 1888. Mr. Julius Pinney is a native of 
Connecticut, and his reputation for fair dealing 
and enterprise is already firmly established. The 
pi-emises utilized are located at No. 154 Main 
street, and measure 75 x 30 feet. Three compe- 
tent assistants are employed and BIi-. C. F. Rise- 
dorf acts as manager of the establishment, and 
the large business transacted is due to his energy 
and close buying. Customers not only know what 
they are getting here, but also know that they are 
being supplied at the lowest market rates, and the 
stock is so large and varied that the most difficult 
feet can be fitted, while the latest novelties are 
always to be found therein. 



Mrs. D. Kingsley, Millinery, No. 107 Main 
Street, Commercial Block, Willimantic, Conn. — 
Among the many fine establishments located on 
Main street, one of the most attractive in its line 
is that conducted by Mrs. D. Kingsley at No. 
107, and located in Commercial Block. This 
establishment was founded in 1886 by its present 
proprietress, and from its inception lias lanked 
among the first-class establishments in this line of 
trade in Willimantic. These millineiy parlors 
comprise three large rooms, and are elegantly fitted 
up for the tasteful display of the "large stock 
handled, which embraces a complete line of new 
and fashionable millinery, and in fact everything 
usually called for in a first-class ruillinery establish- 
ment. Six experienced assistants are employed, 
and all orders are promptly filled. It is with 
pleasure that we recommend Mrs. Kingsley and 
her establishment to the favorable attention of all 
our readers who have not patronized her, liere 
they can obtain fresh goods of the latest designs 
and newest fashions at fair and reasonable prices. 
Mrs. Kingsley is a native of Willimantic, and is 
thoroughly experienced in all the details of her 
business, and well deserves the success she has 
achieved. 



Pease & Edwards, dealers in Foreign and 
Domestic Dry and Fancy Goods and Notions, 
Franklin Block, Main Street, Willimantic, Conn. 
— There is an immense variety of articles now 
included under the head of dry and fancy goods, 
and the number of such is constantly increasing 
as the popular demand for novelties calls forth 
fresh fabrics and original "notions." It naturally 
follows that the only way to offer anywhere near 
a complete assortment is to carry a very heavy as 
well as varied stock, and that to be found at the 
establishment conducted by Messrs. Pease & 
Edwards, in Franklin Block, Main street, is about 
as perfect an illustration of what we mean by a. 
complete assortment as can be pointed out in the 
entire city, for it comprises foreign and domestic 
dry and fancy goods and notions in almost endless 
profusion and at the same time is composed exclu- 
sively of fresh, seasonable and saleable articles,, 
the firm considering their store-space too valuable 
to be occupied by "back-number" goods. The 
partners are Messrs. Charles W. Pease and Robert 
Edwards, both of whom are natives of Cromwell,. 
Conn. Operations were begun December 20,_ 
1887, and a very extensive trade has been built 
up, the residents of Willimantic being not at all 
slow to recognize the advantages held out at this- 
popular store. The premises consist of a double 
store, one portion measuring 75 x 25 feet and the 
other 60 x 20 feet, all necessary facilities being at. 
hand to display the stock to excellent advantage. 
Employment is given to from ten to twelve assist- 
ants, and prompt and courteous attention is 
assured to every caller, while the prices quoted 
will bear the severest scrutiny and comparison. 



F. F. Simmons, dealer in Confectionery, Ice- 
Cream, Soda Water and Cigars, Chapman's block. 
Main Street, Willimantic, Conn. — This establish- 
ment, which ranks among the leading enterprises 
of its kind in this section of Willimantic, is one of 
the most popular. Confectionery of all kinds, also 
ice cream, soda water and cigars. Mr. F. P. 
Simmons, the proprietor, established the business 
in May, 1SS8, and to his superior skill, able man- 
agement, and untiring industry, is due in a great 
measure, the progress and success which has been 
attained during its career. A large and varied 
stock is handled, including confectionery of 
all kinds, also soda water and ice cream, which 
are sold at both wholesale and retail. Large 
orders for families, parties and churches, supplied 
at liberal discount. The premises utilized by Mr. 
Simmons are 15X65 feet in dimensions and 
located at No. 188 Main street. Chapman's block. 
It is eligibly located, and is filled with as reliable 
a stock as can be found in any similar establish- 
ment. Mr. Simmons is a native of Blackstone, 
Mass. He is enterprising and energetic, and hia 
business standing and general reputation, as well 
as the liberal manner in which the business is con- 
ducted, is a subject of the most favorable com- 
ment. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OP WILLIMANTIC. 



35 



APOTHECARY, 

Dr. Rogers i? a registered plianiuicist ami commenced busine.'s in Willimantic twenty five years ago. lie Ijas a 
complete stock of drugs and druggists' .^-uiidrie.s, and gives speciiil attention to compounding prescriptions and medicines 
for family use. His prices are reasonable. His location is 

120 MAIN STRKET. 



Hillhoiise & Taylor, dealers in Lumber, Coal, 
Wood and Builders' material, manufacturer of 
Sash, Doors, IJlinds, Mouldings, Inside Finish, 
etc., Williniantic. — Considering the enormous and 
constantly increasing consumption of lumber and 
timber in this country, it may seem strange to 
those not especially acquainted with the subject 
that the supply hajs not long since been exhausted, 
but the fact is, no other nation in the world has 
so large an amount of merchantable timber as the 
United States, and the wasteful methods of the 
past, have generally been abandoned for a policy 
which is well calculated to perpetuate the supply 
for an indefinite period. It will aid one greatly 
in getting an idea of the importance and magni- 
tude of tiie lumber trade, to visit the establish- 
ment conducted by Messrs. Ilillhouse & Taylor, 
for this firm ranks witli the leading Connecticut 
houses in their line of business, and have unsur- 
passed facilities for the filling of the most exten- 
sive orders at short notice. They carry an 
immense stock, comprising spruce, pine and hem- 
lock and complete as.sortment of hard woods, also 
laths, shingles, brick, lime and cement. Quoting the 
very lowest market rates at all times and doing 
both a wholesale and retail business. In addition 
to their large trade in lumber, brick, lime, etc., 
they also manufacture doors, sashes, blinds, 
stair rail and balusters, mouldings, brackets, win- 
dow and door frames, hard-wood finish and inside 
blinds; planing, sawing and turning are done to 
order. The handling of coal and wood, is another 
department of their business which is rapidly 
increasing in magnitude. As their sheds are 
adjacent to the railroad track, tliey enjoy special 
advantage in the way of receiving and shipping. 
A large force of assistants is employed and every 
order is assured immediate and p.iiiistaking atten- 
tion. The firm is constituted of i\I('ssrs. JameaW. 
Ilillhouse and George F. Taylor, both of whom are 
too widely known throughout this section of the 
State to require extended personal mention. 



P. J. Carey, People's Clothing House, 148 

Main Street, Williniantic, Conn. — The old saying, 
" Honesty is the best policy,'' is even more 
worthy of credit to-day, than was the case when 
it was originated, for people are generally more 
intelligent at the present time, than when educa- 
tion was not so common, ami besides, there is 
more opportunity nowadays to detect sharp prac- 
tice of any kind. The result is that a merchant 
who wishes to build up an extensive permanent 
trade, must keep faith with his customers, and 
this is especially the case in the clothing business, 
where competition is so keen and close. Other 
methods may succeed for a time, but that time is 
apt to be very short, and the results attained will 
com])are very unfavorably with those noticeable 
in connection with the "People's Clothing 
House," which was established some seven years 
ago, and has always been conducted on the prin- 
ciple of giving ftill value for money received. 
Messrs. Walker & Carey, were the proprietors for 
some time, but since November, 1888, it has been 
under the sole control of Mr. P. J. Carey, who is 
known as the "People's Clothier," and well 
deserves the title, for he spares no pains to fur- 
nish fashionable, durable and well-fitting clothing 
at bottom prices, and he makes it a rule to repre- 
sent things just as they really are and thus give 
customers an opportunity to choose intelligently. 
Two floors are utilized at No. 148 INlain street, 
and an immense stock is carried, comprising all 
the latest novelties, as well as full lines of staple 
goods. Mr. Carey sells for cash, and to this fact, 
taken in connection with the great magnitude of 
his business, must be ascribed his ability to quote 
prices which are literally the lowest. Employ- 
ment is given to five efficient assistants ; and 
another thing which honestly entitles this estab- 
lishment to the name of "People's Clothing 
House," is the fact that equally prompt, careful 
and polite attention is given to large and small 
iHiyers. 



3ti 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIC. 



W. H. Latham & Co., Builders, and dealers 
in White Lead, Mixed Paints, Linseed Oil, Putty 
;ind Glass. Anti-Kalsomine, in all shades, for 
Walls and Ceilings ; never scales. Painting and 
Paper Hanging ; Willimantic, Conn. — In award- 
ing contracts for building it is well to give due 
consideration to other things besides prices, for it 
is not always the lowest bidder who will give the 
most value for money expended. Since the firm 
'of W. H. Latham &■ Co., began operations here 
they have built up a reputation for doing the best 
of work in their line, and it is particularly appro- 
priate to say " built-up," for it is to the thorough- 
ness and care that characterized the carrying out 
of the building operations entrusted to them that 
much of its present popularity is due. This is in 
every respect a representative house, and fully 
meiits the cordial support that it has received. 
Among the many buildings constructed by this firm 
we would mention the United Bank Building, the 
Hooker House, the residences of Messrs. J. M. 
Hull, F. F. Webb, Mrs. Hyde Kingsley, and 
others ; also the beautiful new theatre at New 
London, with many other buildings in various 
sections of the State. Messrs. W. H. Latham & 
Co. are in a position to figure on plans and speci- 
fications submitted to them, and they also have 
the reputation of carrying out their agreements 
in the spirit as well as to the letter, the result 
being that many well-informed persons in distant 
parts of the State give them the preference when 
placing contracts, being convinced that they can do 
the work fully as well, and as cheaply, as any other 
building concern in New England. The firm also 
deal in white lead, mixed paints, linseed oil, putty 
and glass ; also in anti-kalsomine in all shades for 
walls and ceilings, which never scales. Orders 
are solicited for painting and paper-hanging. All 
orders will be promptly attendi-d to, and executed 
in a thorough and satisfactory manner, as from 
forty to seventy experienced men are emjiloyed 
by this firm. 

William G. ClimmillgS, Undertaker. Dealer 
in Picture Frames, 11 Church Street, Willimanlie. 
• — As long as the present methods of disposing of 
the dead is continued (and there certainly seems 
to be no immediate prospect of its being super- 
seded) the undertaker will hold a prominent and 
responsible position in the community, and it is 
gratifying to be able to state that as a general 
thing those who assume the delicate and onerous 
duties of this profession are honorable and com- 
petent men. In calling attention to the facilities 
possessed by Mr. William G. Cummings we feel 
that we are serving our readers, for it is always 
well to know the address of a thoroughly compe- 
tent ami reliable undertaker, and no one in this 
xjity is better entitled to be so classed than the 
gentleman in question. He opened his present 
establishment at No. 11 Church street, in 1889. 
The premises utilized comprise two floors, meas- 
uring 17 X 43 feet, and are very thoroughly fitted 
up, enabling every order to be promptly filled. 



while the stock of coffins, caskets and funeral 
goods is varied and complete so that all tastes 
can be suited. Mr. Cummings is very reasonable 
in his charges, and gives careful personal atten- 
tion to every order. One department of his busi- 
ness consists of the making of picture frames to 
order, and any desired style can be furnished at 
very short notice, the workmanship being of the 
best and the prices as low as the lowest. 



John Bowman, Artist Tailor. Dealer in For- 
eign and Domestic Woolens, Gents' Furnishing 
Goods. 105 Main Street, Willimantic, Conn. — 
With a thorough knowledge of the business, and 
having acquired the reputation of expert, as a 
cutter of fashionable and artistic clothing, Mr. 
John Bowman has established at No. 105 Main 
street, what is now one of the most popular tailor- 
ing establishments in this city. It is doubtless 
equal in every department to any other in Willi- 
mantic, and is well arranged for the display of 
stock, which includes in addition to foreign and 
domestic woolens a choice assortment of gents' 
furnishing goods. The line of goods carried is 
such as to meet the wants of the most fastidious 
and fashionable. The stock of woolens, both for- 
eign and domestic, shown by Mr. Bowman, is from 
the best manufacturers in America and England, 
and it embraces all the latest novelties. Eight 
competent assistants are employed, and the prem- 
ises utilized measure 22 x 75 feet. Mr. Bowman 
is a native of Cumbei'land, England. He estab- 
lished his business here in 1870, and has acquired 
a well-deserved reputation for strict attention to 
business, liberality in all dealings, and care in the 
fit and fashion of garments, while qualities ai'e 
guaranteed pei-fectly satisfactory, thiis fact having 
had much to do with the success which he hag 
attained. 

J.W.Webb, 

M a r k e t m a n 
and provision 
dealer, 13 Tur- 
ner's Block, 
Church Street, 
Willi raantio. 
Conn. — It 
wouM proba- 
bly be impossi- 
ble to find an 
establishment more universally known in this 
vicinity than that conducted by Mr. J. W. Webb, 
at No. 13 Church street, and the more thorough an 
investigation is made around town, the more one 
is convinced in the idea that this enterprise ranks 
second to no other of a similar nature in Willi- 
mantic and vicinity. It was inaugurated by its 
present proprietor, and the business has not 
reached its present development and magnitude 
on account of good luck, but simply because the 
furnishing of uniformly superior articles at uni- 
formly low prices, is sure to result in the attain- 
ment of a large trade. The premises occupied 




LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF WILLIMANTIO. 



37 



are 20X45 feet in dimensions, and the stock han- 
dled includes meats of all kinds. No pains are 
spared to maintain the high reputation which the 
establishment has long since been accorded, and 
both as regards quality, and price, the articles 
handled will be found to give perfect satisfaction. 
Five assistants are required to properly handle 
the details of this extensive wholesale and retail 
business and customerg are served with a pre- 
cision and celerity which are both novel and 
gratifying. The proprietor of this prosperous 
enterprise is a native and selectman of Williraantic 
and is not only universally known throughout 
this locality, but also generally esteemed. 




Freeman & Tracy, Jewelers and Opticians, 
(New Store) 112 Main Street, Opposite Church 
Street, Willimantic, Conn. — It is impossible to use 
too much care in the selection of jewelry, for 
there is no article of personal wear that is 
looked upon as more accurately representing the 
taste and position of its owner. Richness is to be 
sought for, while showiness is of course to be 
avoided, and the most satisfactory methods with 
which we are acquainted, to obtain jewelry that 
will please the eye and not offend the taste, is 
to visit such an establishment as that conducted 
by Messrs. Freeman & Tracy at No. 11 -J Main 
street, and make a choice from the many standard 
articles and fashionable novelties kept in stock. 
As this enterprise has been carried on for nearly 
a quarter of a century, its proprietors ought 
certainly to have a well-establisiied reputation by 
this time, and such of our readers as live inWilli- 
mantic or vicinity need hardly be told what stand- 
in"- is heid by Messrs. Freeman & Tracy, for this 
concern has ranked with the most reliable in the 
State for many years. This house was originally 
established in 1866 by Messrs. Waldon & Free- 
man ; in 1ST6 M. Leander Freeman assumed the 
management of aflpairs, and so continued until 18S5 
when Mr. Tracy was admitted as partner, since 
which date the firm style has been Freeman & 
Tracy. Mr. Freeman is a native of Pawtucket, 
R. I., and Mr. Tracy of South Manchester, Conn., 
and both are well-known and highly esteemed 
throughout Willimantic. The premises utilized 
are 30 X 65 feet in dimensions, and the assort- 
ment of jewelry and optical goods shown is a most 
complete and varied one. The extensive wholesale 



and reiail trade transacted requires the services of 
three efficient assistants. This firm are in a posi- 
tion to meet all honorable competition, and while 
they pay more attention to the (piality of their 
goods than to the ofi'ering cheap articles, their 
prices will be found to compare favorably with 
those quoted at other establisliments on goods of 
equal merit. 



Win. L. Williams (successor to David II. 
Clark), Livery, Sale and Boarding Stables. Hacks 
Furnished on all Occasions, Hearse and Carriages 
for Funerals. Carriages, Harnesses aiid IJlankets 
for Sale. Church Street, Willimantic, Conn. — 
Among those engaged in the stable business in 
this city and vicinity none bear a higher reputa- 
tion than Mr. William L. Williams, and we take 
pleasure in cordially recommending his establish- 
ment to all who wish to hire a first-class team, 
buy a horse or horse-furnishings of any descrip- 
tion, or board a horse where he will be assured 
the very best of care and comfortable and health- 
ful quarters. This may seem a somewhat enthu- 
siastic recommendation, but it is fully justified by 
the facts, and we are confident that those who do 
business with Mr. Williams will have reason to 
thank us for calling attention to the unsurpassed 
facilities he offers. He is a native of Franklin, 
Conn., served as warden last year, and is extremely 
well-known personally throughout this vicinity. 
The stable carried on by him has been success- 
fully conducted for more than twenty-five years, 
and has been in the jiossession of the present 
owner since April, 1SS5, he succeeding Mr. David 
H. Clark. A number of excellent horses and some 
easy and stylish vehicles are available for livery 
purposes, teams being furnished at short notice 
and at uniformly reasonable rates. Particular 
attention is given to furnishing hacks for all 
occasions, and a hearse and carriages will be pro- 
vided for funerals at moderate expense. Employ- 
ment is given to four competent assistants and as 
before stated, horses will be boarded in a thor- 
oughly satisfactory manner. Mr. Williams has 
for some years given careful attention to the 
breeding of horses, and always has some desirable 
animals for sale at fair prices. Carriages, har- 
nesses, blankets, etc., are also extensively dealt in, 
and at no establishment in Willimantic is more 
o-enuine value given for money received. 



" The Windlliim." Albert S. Turner, Propri- 
etor, Corner JIain and Church Streets, Willimantic. 
— The Hotel Windham has undergone extensive 
improvements, having moved the office to the 
ground floor, which has been fitted up in a very 
pleasing style and adapted to the wants of the 
public m general, and the traveling community in 
special. The house has been completely refitted 
with all the modern improvements, renovated 
throughout, and rechristened "The Windham." 
A bar and billiard room have also been added, 
meeting the popular demand for the above 
chances. The house; has been thoroughly 



38 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OP WILLIMANTIC. 



renovated and put in first-class condition, and 
now furnishes unequalled accommodations to 
commercial men and as a natural consequence is 
highly popular with that very important class of 
patrons. To begin with, its location is unsur- 
passed, being in the business centre of the city 
and but one minute from the depot. The building 
is a substantial four-story structure, containing 
sixty well-lighted, well-heated, well-ventilated and 
well-furnished guest rooms, together with other 
apartments devoted to various purposes, such as 
sample rooms, bath rooms, dining rooms, office, 
etc. The hotel is heated by steam, illuminated 
by electricity, furnished with electric call bells, 
and in short supplied with all modern conven- 
iences from roof to cellar. Employment is given 
to twenty assistants, and if every guest is not 
■well served and made to feel entirely at home, it 
is certainly not the fault of the proprietor of 
The Windham, for he spares no pains to bring 
about such a result and it is only fair to say is 
very successful in his efforts. The table is suj)- 
plied with an abundance of finely-cooked food at 
all seasons, and will compare very favorably with 
that of many houses which claim to make a lead- 
ing specialty of the culinary department. Taking 
everything into consideration, we know of no 
hotel in this section more deserving of prominent 
and favorable mention, and visitors to Willimantic 
will do well to take our advice and put up at The 
Windham, especially as the terms are very rea- 
sonable. 



A. S. Turner, Druggist, Main Street, near 
Church, Willimantic, Conn. — This store is 
situated under the " Windham," and in size is 
about 80 X 30 feet. The fixtures are of solid ash. 
Mr. H. S. Turner is the proprietor, Mr. F. E. 
Turner, manager, and Henry K. Preston has 
charge of the prescription department. The stock 
consists of pure drugs, medicines, chemicals, 
paints, oils, varnishes, surgical instruments and 
appliances. Fine line of perfumes and toilet arti- 
cles. He also manufactures a fine line of extracts 
and essences, and is proprietor of Turner's 
Florida Water, Fragrant Dentifrice, and Beef, 
Iron and Wine. It was established in 1882. 
Mr. Turner, spares no pains to guard against 
the possibility of even the slightest error, and has 
provided the most elaborate and improved facili- 
ties for the measuring and general handling of 
the drugs and chemicals dealt in. The prepara- 
tion of physicians' prescriptions is recognized as 
the most important feature of the business, and 
the many orders daily filled show that the public 
are appreciative of the advantages here offered. 
Mr. Turner employs competent and polite 
assistants, so that despite the magnitude of 
the business, every caller is sure of receiving imme- 
diate and careful attention. The stock includes 
not only drugs, medicines and chemicals of every 
description, but also toilet and fancy articles, etc., 
the latest novelties being represented and mod- 
erate charges being made in connection with all 
the various articles handled. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



OF 



COLCHESTER, CONN 



The town of Colchester occupies perhaps the most prominent position on the 
Tnap of New London Count}', for it juts out so far into Hartford and Middlesex 
Counties that it catches the eye at once, and causes one, judging from appearances 
alone, to wonder why it is included in New London County, for by far the greater 
part of it is outside what, under ordinary circumstances, would be the county line. 
The township has been much reduced in area since original grant was made October 
13, 1698, it then embracing large portions of what are now Salem and Marlborough. 
The record of the original grant, exj^ressed in the quaint language of the seventeenth 
•century, may be of interest : 

"Att a Generall Court Holden at Hartford, October the 13th, 1698: This Court 
upon the petition of Divers of the inhabitants in the Countie of Hartford, Grant 
Lybertie for a. plantation at or near the ])lace called Jeremiah's farme, upon the 
rode to Newlondon, and Captn Daull ^Vetherell, Captn John Hamlin. Mr. Will 
Pitkin, Captn John Chester, Mr. Richard Christophers, and Captn Small Ffosdick 
they or the majr part of them are by this Court appointed to be a Committee to 
lay out a township there beginning at the North bound of tvventie mile River and so 
to extend Southward to a River called deep River, And to Extend Eastward from 
the bounds of Haddum, Seven miles." 

There seems to have been a serious dispute coucerning tiie title to a goodly portion 
•of the land held under this grant, for the following year representatives of the settlers 
in the new town appeared before the Court and complained that they were obstructed 
in the improvement and settlement of the plantation "By reason of severall persons 
that clivm considerable tracts of land within the grant of said ttnvnship, and par- 
ticularly severall of the inhabitants of Saybrook." The Court ordered all persons 
making such claims to prove them at the May term ensuing; and formally named 
the plantation Colchester and made it a part of New London County. But even after 
this matter was adjusted the settlers did not find the tield open to them but met 
"'with much discouragement in their Planting and Settling by Owaneco and the 
Moheags, that claim land within that township " The Governor and his Council 
were requested to treat with the Moheags and "to agree with thetn to Quitt their 
•claims to the Lands upon as Resonable termes as maybe obtained." In spite of the 
-many claims made on the territory it was of but little value at tirst, owing to the 
immense tracts of excellent farming laud which were available elsewhere, but as the 



40 



HIliTORICAL SKETCH OF COLCHESTER. 



years went by and the population increased it became difficult to get good lani 
without going far into the wilderness, and the location of^Colchester was so desirable- 
by reason of its nearness to Hartford, Middlesex, Norwich, and New London that 
it became one of the most popular settlements in the State, and the land gained so 
in value that such of the original proprietors as had retained their holdings became- 
wealthy. The soil was very fertile and is so to-day, comparing favorably in that 
respect with the great majority of New England towns. The surface is generally 
iineven and the surrounding country is very picturesque, affording many delightful 
drives and walks. The boundaries of the town are Hartford and Tolland Counties 
and the town of Lebanon on the north ; Lebanon on the east ; the town of Salem 
and jNIiddlesex County on the south, and Middlesex county on the west. 

But few years elapsed after the fii'St settlement before the townspeople felt that 
they jpust have a grist mill and a saw mill, and therefore at a legal town meeting held 

November 29, 1703, they voted to give- 
Israel and Samuel Wiatt "The liberty 
of Tow Strems to Bylede a grist mill 
and a saw mill, provided thay Byld& 
the mills forthwith and mantayett 
them from time to time for the 
towens yous." Sixty acres of land 
were also granted to the mill owners 
and among the conditions of the 
gift was one requiring them ' ' Ta 
sell thar Bordes at twenty-two shil- 
ings pur thousand from time to time 
and at all times forever." 

Three years later, November, 
1706, land and a w^ater privilege 
were granted for a fulling mill, the 
proprietor agreeing to maintain the 
mill in good repair and to full cloth 
as cheap as any other mill in the 
Colony. 
The settlers were as active in providing for their spiritual as for their material 
interests, the Colchester Congregational church being organized December 20, 1703, 
with Rev. John Bulkley as pastor. A cliurch building was the next thing in order, 
and the vote passed in connection with this matter affords a curious commentary on 
the poverty of the people and the scarcity of things now so common. It was voted to 
bnild a house forty feet square, provided money enough was given to buy the nails and 
glass ! This house was built in 1705 and in 1709 was sold to Ebenezer Coleman for 
eight pounds, to be paid in nails, the boards of the floor and all other loose boards 
and the pulpit being reserved. The second meeting house was built in 1708, and 
in 1771 a church elifice was erected which was considered one of the finest in the 
State, and was occupied about seventy years. The first Methodist services in town 
were held by the Rev. E. Washburn, who visited Colchester in 1806. A society 
was soon formed and (urcuit preaching was continued until 1843, when a church wasi. 
built and Robert Allyn appointed pastor. The Baptist church was organized in 
1836 and services were held in the Congregational Conference House until August,. 
1836, when a church building was completed. Calvary church was organized in 1865„ 




Bacon Acadkmy, Colchester, Conn. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF COLCHESTER. 



41 



and the comer stone of the church edifice was laid in 1S60 and the building finished 
in 1867. There is a largely attended Roman Catholic church in town but material 
from which to obtain facts relative to its history is not at hand. Schools were 
provided as promptly as a church was, the first schoolmaster beginning operations 
in 1705, and a schoolhouse being furnished six years later. The Bacon Academy, 
founded by Pierpont Bacon in 1800, has from the beginning been one of the lead- 
ing institutions of the kind in Connecticut, and among its list of graduates are- 
men who have made national reputations, prominent among them having been 




Main Street, Colchester. 



Chief Justice Waite. The district schools have also been excellently managed and 
now hold a most satisfactory record for general efficiency. There is a well equipped 
public library in town and a savings bank which was founded in 1854 and during- 
the past forty years has steadily gained in the confidence and esteem of the people. 
Various manufactures have been introduced into the town from time to time and 
prosecuted with more or less success, but it is to the production of rubber goods 
that credit must be given for the bulk of Colchester's development during the past 
forty years or more. The Hayward Rubber Company were organized in 1847 and 
the mills were under the active and remarkably able management of Nathaniel 
Hayward up to 1854. He acted as president of the company until his death, in 
1865, and was a man of such strong individuality and force of character that he is 
remembered by many of the older residents of Colchester to this day. The busi- 
ness was continued with varying success but finally it was found expedient to close up 
the mills. Soon the enterprise was revived by the Colchester Rul)ber Company and 
has since been conducted with marked and gratifying success. Female labor is verjr 
larcrely utilized in rubber shoe making and a great proportion of the operatives come 
from 'the great cities, being glad to exchange the crowded tenements and vile air 
of such places for the spacious, homelike boarding houses and liealthful breezes of 



42 



HISTORICAL SKETCH OF COLCHESTER. 



Oolchester. The pay, too, is excellent, and as the company insist upon good character as 
an indispensable condition of a successful application for employment the work 
offerg many attractions to the better class of women wage-earners. 

Colchester village is situated on a high ridge, and the views of the surrounding 
country are varied and beautiful. Colchester Green is one of the loveliest of the 
many lovely parks to be found in New England, and the entire town has a most 




Merchants' Row, Colchester. 



attractive air of thrift, the grounds being beautifully kept. The enterprise of the 
local merchants is conceded throughout the vicinity, Colchester being a noted trade 
-centre and containing many stores at which late novelties as well as staple goods 
may always be obtained. The railroad facilities are excellent, and in short no town 
in ,ithe State combhies more advantages as a place of residence or is more deserving 
of permanent prosperity. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN of COLCHESTER 



L C. & C. F. BrOAVn, dealers in Dry Goods, 
•Groceries, Boots, Slioes, Trunks, Wall Papers, 
Flour, Meal, Feed, etc.— Otlier things being equal, 
it is of course advisable to procure as large a pro- 
portion of whatever goods may be required as 
possible at one store, for time and trouble are 
«aved by so doing, and few of us have any time 
to throw away. It is sometimes argued that those 
who make a specialty of certain goods can otter 
oreater inducements than general dealers,^ but 
"the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and 
those who have made practical comparison ot the 
advantages offered by Messrs. L. C. ct C. F. Brown 
with those held out by special dealers, are con- 
vinced that that firm do as well by their customers 
as any retailers can do. The business was estab- 
lishecl in 1884, and has reached a point where the 
services of from four to five assistants are required 
in order to give the many orders prompt and care- 
ful attention. The premises occupied are very 
spacious, and contain an extensive and remarkably 
varied stock, comprising dry goods, groceries, 
boots and shoes, trunks, wall papers, flour, teed, 
meal and other commodities too numerous to 
mention. Merely a catalogue of it would exhaust 
many times our available space, but such a cata- 
logue is not required for the residents of this 
section know that the firm constantly carry a full 
.assortment, and that the goods it comprises may 
be safely depended upon to prove as represented. 
Both partners are natives of Canterbury, Conu. 



H. P. Bliell, Druggist and Pharmacist. Pure 
Dru'^s and Medicines. Colchester, Conn.— It is 
safe'to say that no establishment in Colchester is 
more deserving of hearty and generous patronage 
than that conducted by Mr. H. P. Buell, for no 
establishment is of more genuine utility, or more 
liberally managed. Mr. Buell is a native of 
Hebron, Conn., and has carried on his present 
business since 1876, it having been founded in 
1853 by Mr. C. H. Rogers. The present proprietor 
has held various town ofiices and has been Judge 
of Probate since 1888. He is a druggist and 
pharmacist, and carries a complete stock ot pure 
drues medicines and chemicals, obtaining them 
from 'the most reliable sources and sparing no 
pains to handle as high a grade of goods as the 
market affords. Especial attention is given to 
the compounding of physicians' prescriptions, 
every facility being provided to ensure absolute 
accuracy in the smallest details of the work, and 
to enable orders to be filled at very short notice. 
The charges are uniformly moderate, as low, in 
fact, as is consistent with the use of materials of 
standard quality. The premises made use o com- 
prise two floors of the dimensions of 24 x 30 feet, 
Ld contain, besides the articles already men- 
tioned a full line of paints, oils, varni.hes, etc. 
Mr Buell is prepared to furnish these in quantities 
to suit at bottom prices, and as employment is 
l^ven to two assistants, all orders are assured 
fmmediate and careful attention. 



44 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF COLCHESTER. 



William B. Otis, dealer in Drugs and Chemi- 
cals, Paints and Oils, Boots, Shoes, Rubbers, Jew- 
elry and Sewing Mach.nes, Colchester, Conn.— 
Mr. William B. Otis is a native of Colchester, and 
occupies a leading position among the active and 
successful business men of this section of the 
State, for he is prominent both in mercantile and 
public affairs and has long been thoroughly iden- 
tified with the advancement of the best interests 
of the community. He has been engaged in busi- 
ness here for a number of years, and "has served 
ten years as town treasurer and held other local 
offices, besides acting as State representative in 
1871, 1879 and 1884. Mr. Otis does an extensive 
business and handles a great variety of merchan- 
dise, the premises utilized by him comprising two 
floors of the dimensions of 2:3 x 100 feet, and con- 
taining a heavy and complete stock of groceries, 
drugs and chemicals, paints and oils, boots, shoes, 
rubbers, jewelry, sewing machines and other com- 
modities. The drugs, chemicals, etc., are obtained 
from the most reliable sources and may be 
depended upon for strength and purity, while 
they are furnished in quantities to suit at the very 
lowest market rates. The stock of footwear com- 
prises the productions of some of the leadino- 
manufacturers, and it is so varied and complete 
that all tastes and all purses can be suited, and 
the most difficult feet fitted, the assortment of 
sizes and widths being very comprehensive. 
Indeed, in every department of this business all 
classes of trade are catered to, and as the goods 
are uniformly dependable, the prices low, aiul the 
service prompt and courteous is is not surprising 
that a large and steadily increasing patronao-e 
should be enjoyed. ° 



J. N. Adams, dealer in Dry Goods and Gro- 
ceries, Flour, Meal, Boots and Shoes, Colchester, 
, Conn.— Mr. J. N. Adams is a native of Canter- 
bury, Conn., and has carried on business in Col- 
chester for thirty years, during which time he has 
been so prominent in mercantile and public affairs 
as to have become one of the most widely known 
and highly esteemed business men in this section 
of ihe State. He has done much to advance the 
best interests of Colchester and vicinity and is 
prominently identified with the local savings bank 
of which he is secretary and treasurer. He erected 
the building in which the bank is located, and a 
large portion of it is utilized by him for store 
purposes, he carrying a very heavy stock of gen- 
eral merchandise, including dry goods, groceries, 
flour and meal, boots and shoes, and many other 
commodities too numerous to mention. Mr. 
Adams has held various important public offices 
and during the many years he officiated as trial 
justice he tried more cases in town than any one 
else who has ever held the position. He served as 
town clerk for four years and was State represen- 
tative in 1869. It is hardly necessary for us to 
speak of Mr. Adam's business methods, they being 
thoroughly appreciated in this vicinity at least. 



The public well understand that he strives to- 
handle goods that will give the best of satisfac- 
tion in every respect, and they also understand 
that he is in a position to quote the lowest market 
rates on all the commodities dealt in. His slock 
is always complete in every department and suffi- 
cient assistance is employed to assure prompt,, 
careful and polite attention to every caller. 



Colchester Savings Bank.— One of the most- 
successful merchants in this country— a man who, 
beginning with no capital but brains and indus- 
trious habits, has amassed a great fortune in legit- 
imate trade — said in a recent interview, "Indus- 
trial schools are all very well in their way. It is,, 
of course, highly important that practical instruct 
tion should be given in the art of earning money,, 
but such instruction will avail but little to those 
Ignorant of the art of saving it. I can point out 
twenty young men who are earning good wages 
where I can point out one who is systematically 
saving, and my experience convinces me that no- 
other single characteristic affords such absolute 
assurance of permanent success as do prudent and 
economical habits." Such testimonv as this is 
certainly worthy of respectful consideration, and 
the many who despise small savings, and live 
from hand to mouth, spending as they go, would 
do well to profit by the advice implied in those 
words and take advantage of present opportunities 
to accumulate a small capital which will not only 
make them more independent but will put them in. 
a position to avail themselves of any favorable busi- 
ness chance which may present itself. The many 
excellent savings banks in this State afford ample- 
facilities for the putting aside of small amounts,, 
and not one of them is more entirely worthy of 
confidence than is the Colchester Savings Bank^ 
which was incorporated in 1874 and has been most 
ably and conservatively managed from the start. 
Its affairs are administered by residents of this- 
community, men widely and favorably known in 
financial and general business circles, and it goes 
without saying that the interests of depositors 
are perfectly safe in their hands. The president 
IS Mr. S. C. Gillette, the vice-president, Mr. Wil- 
liam Hayward, and the secretary and treasurer,. 
Mr. J. N. Adams. All these gentlemen have held 
various local offices, and need no introduction to- 
the residents of this section of the State. At the- 
present time the bank holds about a quarter of a, 
million on deposit and has a surplus over all 
liabilities of $6,000. As high a rale of interest is- 
paid as the market allows, and all unnecessary 
formality is dispensed with in the reception and 
payment of money, thus assuring the prompt 
transaction of business, and the avoidance of the 
excessive "red-tape" which seriously hampers the 
usefulness of some institutions of this kind. No- 
useful precaution is neglected, however, and the- 
popularity of the bank shows that the public fully 
endorse the methods employed in its management. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF (JOLCIIESTEll. 



45 



Park & Haiiimar, Contractors and Builders, 
Jobbing promptly attended to. Furniture 
Repairing a Specialty. Shop at Sprague's Old 
•Stand, Colchester, Conn. — The importance of 
placing building contracts with reliable and 
responsible parties cannot be overestimated, for 
the most carefully prepared plans and specifica- 
tions will not protect the interests of the builder 
if their carrying out be entrusted to incompetent, 
careless or dishonest hands. Therefore the resi- 
dents of Colchester and vicinity have reason to 
■congratulate themselves on having so deytendable 
a firm as that of Park it Ilamraar to place their 
orders with, especially as this concern is prepared 
to figure very closely on all work submitted. 
Their shop is located at Sprague's old stand and 
is thoroughly fitted up, not only for the doing of 
ordinary carpenter work but also for furniture 
repairing and picture framing of which a specialty 
is made. Orders of this kind will be filled in a 
most satisfactory manner at short notice and at 
moderate rates, and jobbing of all kinds will be 
promptly and skillfully attended to, employment 
being given to twelve experienced assistants. 
The firm is made up of Messrs. A. R. Park and J. 
W. Hammar, both of whom have had long and 
"varied experience in the business, and give care- 
ful personal supervision to the filling of orders. 



G. 0. Jackson, manufacturer and dealer in 
Harnesses, Blankets, Trunks, etc., Horse Goods 
•of every Description, Worthington Block, Col- 
■chester, Conn. — Economy is a virtue no doubt, but 
there is true and there is false economy, and that 
it is false economy to purciiase inferior harness is a 
fact which deserves careful consideration. The 
market is flooded with "cheap" harnesses, many of 
which are so finished as to look all right, but good 
stock and thorough workmanship cost money, and 
neither of them are present in these harnesses, as 
many purchasers have found to their sorrow. It 
is not necessary, however, to pay a fancy price in 
order to get a good article, and in proof of this we 
would refer our readers to the establishment con- 
ducted by ]\Ir. George O. Jackson, in Worthington 
Block, for here may be found a very desii'able 
stock of light and heavy harnesses, warranted in 
every respect and offered at uniformly moderate 
rates. Mr. Jackson is a native of South Coventry, 
Conn., and begun business in Colchester in 1879. 
He has held the position of deputy sheriff since 
1884, and is very widely and favorably known in 
business and social circles throughout this section. 
He occupies premises measuring 25 X GO feet, and 
containing every necessary facility for harness 
manufacturing, repairing, etc., employment being- 
given to three assistants, and orders being filled at 
very short notice. Besides harnesses Mr. Jackson 
^eals largely in trunks and bags, and in blankets, 
whips, brushes, combs and horse furnishings of 
-every description. His goods will prove as repre- 
sented in every instance, and his prices are as low 
.as the lowest. 



C. H. Bailey, dealer in Dry Goods, Clothing, 
Groceries and Provisions, Boots, Shoes, etc., Col- 
chester, Conn. — The old hymn says, " Man wants 
little here below," but it is difficult to accept that 
statement after visiting such an establishment as 
that conducted by Mr. C. H. Bailey, for a merchant 
of his extended experience is not likely to offer 
goods that are not wanted, and the magnitude and 
variety of his stock are remarkable. The assort- 
ment includes dry goods, clothing, groceries and 
provisions, boots, shoes, rubbers, etc., and is evi- 
dently selected with the purpose of catering to all 
tastes and all conditions, for it comprises all the 
standard grades, and is so complete that one must 
be peculiarly situated not to be able to find goods 
perfectly suited to his needs. Mr. Bailey was 
born in this town and has held various local offices 
during the nearly quarter of a century that he has 
carried on business here. He is universally known 
in this vicinity, and his straightforward and enter- 
prising methods have not only had the effect of 
making his establishment widely ]jopular, but 
have caused him to be highly esteemed by all who 
appreciate his consistent carrying out of the good 
old-fashioned policy of giving full value formoney 
received. His stock always includes late novelties 
as well as full lines of staple goods, and the care 
shown in its selection is indicated by the uniform 
satisfaction expressed by patrons. Employment 
is given to five assistants, and callers are waited 
upon promptly and politely at all times. 



Strong' & Backus, wholesale and retail dealers 
in Flour, Meal, Grain, Fertilizers and Coal, Col- 
chester, Conn. — The firm of Strong & Backus was 
formed in 1884, succeeding Mr. J. Gillette who 
carried on the business since 1877. The partners 
are Messrs. Edward L. Strong and John R. 
Backus, the former a native of Colchester, and 
the latter of Lebanon. Both these gentlemen are 
widely known hereabouts, having held various 
local offices, and Mr. Strong was Stale representa- 
tive in 1S89. The firm are wholesale and retail 
dealers in flour, meal, grain, fertilizers and coal, 
and have such extensive facilities as to be in a 
position to fill the largest orders without delay, 
the premises utilized covering an area of two 
acres. The main building is 40 X 60 feet in 
dimensions, and the plant of machinery includes 
an engine of thirty-horse power. The most pop- 
ular brands of flour are constantly in stock, and 
are offered to consumers and the trade at the very 
lowest market rates. The sale of coal forms a 
very important department of the business, par- 
ticular attention being given to supplying family 
trade and orders being delivered promptly at the 
time promised. Employment is given to five 
assistants, and the service is maintained at the 
highest standard of efficiency it being carefully 
supervised in every detail and no pains being 
spared to keep up the high reputation so long 
associated with this representative enterprise. 



46 



LEADIh'G BUSINESS MEN OF COLCHESTER. 



■ A ^' l^i^wley. Funeral Director, and dealer 
m Furniture, Carpets, etc., Colchester, Conn — 
Mr. F. A. Dawley is a native of Rhode Island, 
but during the sixteen years that he has carried 
on business in Colchester has become so thor- 
oughly identified with the advancement of the 
best interests of the town as to be looked upon as 
a representative citizen in the full sense of the 
word. Mr. Dawley has had long and varied expe- 
rience as a funeral director, and is prepared to fill 
all orders entrusted to him in that capacity with 
fidelity, intelligence and dispatch. He will assume 
entire charge of funerals and furnish everything 
that is required, his facilities enabling him to 
execute all commissions at very short notice and 
at uniformly moderate rates. He deals extensively 
in furniture, carpets, etc., occupying two floors of 
the dimensions of 2t)x87 fee«, and carryintr a 
varied and desirable stock at all times. The 
assortment is sufficiently extensive and complete 
to enable all tastes and all purses to be suited, and 
those who wish to obtain articles that will prove 
precisely as represented, at the lowest market 
rates, would do well to give Mr. Dawley a call 



J. N. Strong, dealer in Choice Meats, Game, 
Fou try. Vegetables, Milk, ere., Colchester, Conn. 
—Ihe enterprise, or rather the enterprises, carried 
on by Mr. J. N. Strong, are deserving of especially 
prominent mention for they are of no little benefit 
to the public and are very popular among all con- 
versant with the methods emploved in their man- 
agement. Mr. Strong is a natiVe of Colchester, 
and from the nature of his business has an unusu- 
ally_ extensive acquaintance throughout this 
section. He is largely engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, and also carries on a first-class Hvery 
stable, and a retail meat and provision store. 
Ihe premises utilized for the latter purpose have 
an area of GOO square feet, and always contain a 
very complete stock of choice meats, too-ether 
with game and poultry of all kinds in their season. 
Vegetables, milk, etc., are also largely dealt in ; 
all classes of trade being catered to and bottom 
prices quoted at all times. Customers are 
promptly and politely served, and in short there is 
excellent reason for the high degree of popularity 
this well-managed store enjovs. There are 
twenty horses in the livery stable, and the other 
accommodations are proportionally extensive, so 
It will be seen that I\[r. Strong is in a position to 
do a very large business and to furnish teams at 
very short notice. The drives in the vicinity of 
Colchester are not surpassed in the State, and as 
Mr. Strong is very reasonable in his charo-es the 
accommodations he offers are largely availed of. 

Colckester Hoii.se, R. B. Swan, proprietor, 
Colchester, Conn.— Colchester is one of the most 
attractive towns in Connecticut, and as it is also 
quite a business centre, it is visited by many 
strangers at all seasons of the year. Under these 



circumstances the question of hotel accommoda- 
tions assumes no little importance, and it is per- 
fectly safe to assert that the enviable reputation 
Colchester enjoys among non-residents is due in a 
great measure to the nature of the accommoda- 
tions provided at the Colchester House, for this is- 
a thoroughly well-managed establishment, and 
without making any extravagant pretensions, 
aflords a service decidedly superior to that gen- 
erally obtainable outside the larger cities The- 
proprietor Mr. R. B. Swan, is a native of East 
Haddam, Conn., and has been identified with his- 
present enterprise since 1888. He spares no pains, 
to secure the comfort of guests, and employs aft 
amp e force of competent assistants so that the- 
hotel and its appointments are kept in first-class, 
condition and the service is uniformly prompt and 
dependable. The Colchester House is very pleas- 
antly located and contains twenty-eight sleeping 
rooms. The table is supplied with an abundance 
ot seasonable food at all times of the year, and the- 
cooking will compare favorably with that done at 
many hotels and restaurants making much o-reater 
pretensions in this department. The terms%f the- 
house are very reasonable, and those who put up. 
here once will surely come again when they have 
occasion to revisit Colchester or vicinity. 

E. C. Snow, Blacksmith, Carriage Builder and 
Repairer, Colchester, Conn.— The introduction of 
machinery has worked many radical changes dur- 
ing the past thirty or forty years, and its effects- 
are not altogether good, for one of them has been 
to greatly reduce the number of really skilled 
paechanics. Manufacturing has been divided up- 
into specialties, and a man may now work in a 
machine shop for years and then know only how 
to run some special machine or other, being" actu- 
ally no more of a mechanic in the full sense of thfr 
word, when he has had long experience than he 
was in the beginning. The blacksmith's trade has 
been affected considerably by this condition of 
attairs but not so much as other trades, and expe- 
rience, ingenuity and skill are still required to 
command success in this branch of industry. No 
one in this section of the State has a higher repu- 
tation as a blacksmith than Mr. E. C. Snow, and 
the quality of the work turned out at his shop 
affords convincing evidence that this reputation is 
thoroughly well deserved. The business was 
founded in 1859 by Messrs. Henn & Williams 
who were succeeded by Messrs. Snow & Daniels 
Bros., in 1861, Mr. Snow assuming s«ole control in 
1874. He is a native of Colchester, and has a 
very large circle of friends throughout this sec- 
tion. The blacksmith shop is 20 x 50 feet in 
dimensions and contains all necessary facilities for 
the doing of horse-shoeing, general jobbino-, etc 
The carriage shop is 20 x SO and two stones in 
height. Employment is given to three assistants, 
and orders are assured prompt and careful atten- 
tion, first-class work being done at uniformlr 
moderate rates. 



LEADING BUSINESS MEN OF COLCHESTER. 



4T 



F. T. Avery, dealer in Stoves, Tinware, 
Farming Tools, etc. ; also Tin Roofer and Copper 
and Sheet Iron Worker, Colchester, Conn. — It is 
very poor economy to buy an inferior stove or to 
continue to use one that is " out of date," for a 
modern first-class stove is not only convenient and 
easy to manage but is also so economical of fuel 
that it will soon " ])ay for itself "if used intelli- 
gently. There aie almost endless varieties of 
cooking and heating stoves in the market, some 
of which are worth no more than their value as 
old iron, but it is easy to get one that will suit 
you if you order of a reputable concern. Mr. F. 
T. Avery makes a specialty of handling stoves 
and ranges, and his facilities and methods are 
such that we have no hesitation in guaranteeing 
satisfaction to those placing orders with him. 
"He is prepared to quote the lowest market rates, 
and deals in the productions of the leading manu- 
facturers ; tinware, farming tools, kitchen furnish- 
ings, etc., are also extensively dealt in, and every 
order is assured prompt and painstaking attention. 
Employment is given to three competent assist- 
ants, and tin roofing, copper and sheet-iron work, 
etc., will be done in a thorough and skillful man- 
ner at short notice, and at moderate rates. The 
business carried on by Mr. Avery was established 
by Mr. O. W. Avery in 185 7, and came into the 
possession of the present proprietor in 187.3. He 
is a native of this town and is too well known 
here to render extended personal mention neces- 
sary. 



R. C. Jones, Ready Made Clothing, Hats and 
Caps, Gents' Furnishing Goods, Colchester, Conn. 
— One need not be very old to be able to remem- 
ber when ready-made clothing was worn only by 
those who could not afford custom garments, for 
it was poorly made, ill fitting, and unfashionable 
in cut, but this is all changed nowadays and by 
])atronizing a reliable and enterprising house you 
may obtain clothing that cannot be distinguished 
from custom work, while its cost is very much 
less. The establishment carried on by Mr. R. C. 
Jones is a prime favorite with those who appre- 
ciate first-class clothing, and there is every reasor* 
why it should be, for one may always find' here a 
large and complete assortment of seasonable gar- 
ments, including the very latest fashionable nov- 
elties, while the prices are remarkably low and 
the goods are in every instance guaranteed to 
prove as represented. Mr. Jones is a native of 
Hebron and is universally and favorably known 
throughout this section. He gives careful per- 
sonal attention to customers, and as employment 
is given to two assistants the service is prompt, 
accurate and obliging at all times. The store has 
an area of 1,000 square feet, and contains not only 
a full assortment of clothing for dress and work- 
ing wear, but also a well-chosen stock of hats and 
caps, and gentlemen's furnishing goods, the style* 
being correct and the prices as low as the lowest. 
The stock is constantly being renewed and is suffi- 
ciently varied to suit all tastes and all purses. 



Geo. J. Heydecker, Practical Baker, and 
dealer in Confectionery, Fruits, Nuts, Ice Cream, 
etc., Wheeler's Block, Colchester, Conn. — The 
public now generally understand that sickness is 
as often the result of eating improper food as of 
any other cause, and as a natural consequence 
more discrimination is e.xercised in the choice of 
food products than was formerly the case. That 
good articles are apjireciated is proved by the 
success which Mr. George J. Heydecker has met 
with since beginning operations in Colchester in 
1888, for this gentleman is a practical baker and 
spares no pains to supply his customers with 
bread, cake and pastry that is both healthful and 
palatable. He uses carefully selected materials, 
and follows the most approved methods in the 
manufacture of his goods, the result being that 
they are uniformly excellent in quality and can- 
not fail to prove satisfactory to the most fastidi- 
ous. Mr. Heydecker deals also in confectioner}', 
fruits, icecream, etc., utilizing premises located 
in Wheeler's Block, aiul carrying a large and 
complete stock at all times. He employs three 
assistants, and callers are assured immediate and 
courteous attention, while the prices quoted are 
as low as can be named on goods of standard 
quality. 



Mrs. E. L. Kenyoil, Millinery and Fancy 
Goods, Colchester. — The majority of ladies agree 
that it is as well to be "out of the world as out of 
the fashion," and those residing in Colchester or 
vicinity have reason to congratulate themselves on 
the existence of the establishment conducted by 
Mrs. E. L. Kenyon, for as long as this continues^ 
under its present management there is no reason 
for being out of the fashion so far as millinery is 
concerned at least, as here may always be found 
an assortment comprising the latest novelties in 
hats, bonnets, trimmings and millinery goods in 
general, together with a varied and carefully 
chosen stock of fancy goods. Mrs. Kenyon is a 
native of Westchester, Conn., and has carried on 
her present enterprise since 1886, during which 
time she has built up an extensive and very desir- 
able patronage and gained an enviable reputation 
for good taste and business ability. The prem- 
ises utilized have an area of 1400 square feet and 
the stock is displayed to excellent advantage. 
Especial attention is given to two capable assist- 
atits, orders can be filled at. short notice. Mrs. 
Kenyon quotes very reasonable prices and spares 
no pains to fully satisfy every customer. 



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